School Board to Examine Issue of Building Bearing Disgraced Bishop’s Name, Western Star, December 9, 2011

School Board to Examine Issue of Building Bearing Disgraced Bishop’s Name

Western Star
December 9, 2011

http://www.thewesternstar.com/News/Local/2011-12-09/article-2829358/School-board-to-examine-issue-of-building-bearing-disgraced-bishop%26rsquos-name/1

Former Regina High School

The name of Raymond J. Lahey, a man who led the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. George’s from 1986 until 2003, can be a particularly loaded one considering the former bishop pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and waived bail in May.

Lahey’s sentencing hearing, which began in August, is set to resume in court in Ottawa Dec. 19.

Along with the court docket in Ottawa, his name appears on the ceremonial cornerstone of the former Regina High School in Corner Brook. The building, owned by the Roman Catholic Church, is in the process of being redeveloped into a junior high school.

The Western School District board made a decision about two years ago to ask the province to redevelop the building as the city’s junior high school. The facility is expected to be complete by the end of August 2013 in time for opening in September of 2013.

Chris Noseworthy raised the issue in his blog “On The Nose” on The Western Star’s website Wednesday. He believes the man’s name should be removed from the building, although he is generally against the practice of revising history. Having a criminal’s name removed from a junior high school, especially one convicted of such a repugnant crime, is the proper course for all involved, he thinks.

“I feel that since the man confessed to such a shocking and abhorrent crime, especially for a man in his position, it is the best move to take it down,” Noseworthy wrote.

When contacted, Ross Elliott, director of education and chief executive officer of the Western School District, wanted to make a single comment on the situation.

“This is the first time this has been brought to our attention as a concern, and we will assess this matter as we go forward,” Elliott said.

He refused to put a timeline on a decision and would not comment on any discussions on the matter that might have to happen with the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador, which holds the title to the building.

Bishop Peter Hundt could not be reached for comment on the situation as of press time.