Principal suspended over sex allegations

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 09 March 2018, 12:00AM

The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) has suspended the Principal of a college in connection to allegations of a sexual nature involving him and a male student.

This was confirmed by the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio. 

“We received an official complaint from the Committee of sexual allegations involving the Principal and a student,” Loau said.  

“And that is why they have asked us to look into the matter. 

"We have taken action against the Principal in terms of writing to the P.S.C. regarding this matter. 

 “We informed P.S.C. that this is a sexual matter and we requested they expedite the investigation because I want this matter to be resolved immediately. 

 “I will not let this type of activity happen under my watch. 

"The allegations which have been confirmed as a clear breach of trust, the breach of ethics on all levels and most especially because this is the Principal and a student. 

The Minister said the matter has been referred to the Police.

“The Police are investigating the matter and I have been informed that charges will be filed soon," he said. 

“See the issue at hand is that parents entrust their children to us for safekeeping during school hours. So when such issues occur, it violates the trust that parents have in the teachers,” said Loau.

“And I will never for the life of me show any leniency in this type of situation.” 

According to Loau, the Principal is currently teaching and his post has been re-advertised because his contract is about to finish. 

“So we are actually in the process of getting a new Principal,” he said. 

Several emails to Police Superintendent, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo have not been answered. 

The Samoa Observer visited the  Principal at his residence.

He declined to comment.  

“I have to call our family lawyer because I don’t want to say anything,” he said.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 09 March 2018, 12:00AM

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