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	Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Settled Renowned AUC Maestro Was Involved By Karen Nugent Telegram & Gazette June 21, 2008 http://www.telegram.com/article/20080621/NEWS/806210339/1007/NEWSLETTERS05 LANCASTER— A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit against a former Atlantic Union College choir director and music professor alleging sexual misconduct with four students and a consultant. In a letter released yesterday to students, faculty and staff, College President Norman L. Wendth said the lawsuit against Francisco de Araujo was resolved through mediation. The terms and conditions of the agreement, he said, are confidential and would not be made public by mutual consent among the five male plaintiffs and Mr. de Araujo. "I personally believe the agreement is as fair as these things can be, and is sensitive to the feelings and needs of all involved," Mr. Wendth said in the letter. Nance Lyons, a Boston lawyer representing the five plaintiffs, who all used the last name "Doe" in the lawsuit, confirmed yesterday afternoon that a settlement was reached through mediation June 12. She declined to release details, referring to the no-public-disclosure agreement, but said the agreement was satisfactory to all five plaintiffs. She declined to say if cash was part of the agreement. The lawsuit was filed Jan. 30 in Worcester Superior Court. Besides Mr. de Araujo, who was hired at the Seventh-day Adventist college in 1999, and retired last year, the suit named the college, and Donald G. King, president of the Lancaster-based Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which oversees the college. Mr. King is chairman of the college trustees. The suit alleged that Mr. de Araujo, who is called "Maestro" and known around the world for his choral direction and musical performances, engaged in inappropriate touching and sexual abuse. It also alleged that the college was aware of his previous alleged sexual predatory behavior, but ignored the men's complaints and had them expelled, or, in the case of the consultant, fired. Mr. Wendth in his letter expressed fear that because specifics of the agreement are confidential, speculation and rumors may spread around the campus. "I therefore urge everyone again not to speculate or trade rumors. Instead, let us bring the college family together for healing. Let us continue to act with deep sensitivity to everyone involved," he said. Mr. Wendth said he is grateful to those on campus who assisted with the investigation. "But even as we put this litigation behind us, it is important to note — again — that sexual or other misconduct has no place in any college, and especially not on a Christian campus," Mr. Wendth said in the letter.
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