CTV
December 24, 2010
http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101223/mtl_bishops_abuse_101223/20101223/?hub=MontrealHome
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| Harold Forester, former teacher at Bishop's College, accused of abuse. |
Some former students of Bishop's College, in Lennoxville, who were victims of sexual abuse say a settlement brokered last September could be in jeopardy.
The problem is that not everyone is willing to accept the amount negotiated on their behalf.
Bishop's College would give $1.5 million to the 43 former students who suffered sex abuse by a former teacher, Harold Forster.
The abuse happened in the 1950's, and the Forster died in 1967.
The college offered the settlement just as the former students were about to launch a multi-million dollar class-action lawsuit.
The deal was approved by a Quebec superior court judge last September.
However, Bishops College was given the opportunity to back out of the deal, if too many students decided not to join in on the settlement.
The former students had until December 7th to decide if they would take the deal or not.
Thirty seven said yes – though many half-heartedly.
"With a settlement of around $21 000 each, that's pretty meager earnings," said one victim, who did not want to be identified. "This has been going on for 50 years."
The 65-year-old man says he is willing to accept the deal in the hope of moving on with his life. However, six other people decided to opt out, figuring they would get more money by suing the college directly.
Last September, lawyers for Bishop's indicated they would reject any settlement if they were to face more than five separate lawsuits.
Calls made by CTV to Bishop's lawyer were not returned on Thursday.
However, their decision is expected during the holidays.
If the deal falls through, victims will have to file the class action suit as originally planned.
"No amount of money, even if we got $250 000, is going to remove the fact we were sexually abused and the harm it has done to us," said the victim who spoke with CTV.
The college's decision will determine whether or not victims can turn the page or resume the fight for justice.
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