An important message from President Deborah Farquhar Jones
Dear Elms Community,
This is a difficult letter to write, but something has come to light that I need to share with you.
A former Our Lady of the Elms student, who graduated more than 40 years ago, has recently come forward to allege sexual misconduct by one of our former faculty members. We take an allegation of sexual misconduct very seriously and immediately began an investigation into these specific claims, as well as to ascertain if any other former students may have been impacted. This investigation is ongoing.
It is important to us as a school and as people of faith to be as transparent as we can be with you about this situation. This is what we know so far.
We have nothing in our files about this specific allegation. There is also no other record of any sexual misconduct on behalf of this former member of our faculty throughout this person’s tenure at Our Lady of the Elms.
At this point in our investigation, it is unclear whether the alleged sexual misconduct happened before graduation or when the student was still a minor.
We are unable to release the name of the former student in order to protect that individual’s identity.
Due to anti-defamation laws and at the advice of counsel, we will not release the name of the former faculty member who has been accused at this time.
This faculty member has not taught any of the students or classes that are currently enrolled at the Elms, including our recently graduated Class of 2020.
Both Child Protective Services and the Akron Police have been contacted regarding these allegations, in accordance with our sexual misconduct policy (pgs 24-29).
We recognize that this situation is painful, and that these answers are frustrating. We also acknowledge that a lack of documentation on these allegations does not necessarily mean that they did not occur. I want to personally assure you that we will continue to make every effort to uncover whatever facts and information may be available.
We are encouraging anyone who has any information about sexual misconduct in our school from this or any other time period to come forward. Any communications of this nature will be handled discreetly, compassionately, and with all of the serious consideration they are due.
There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our students. We have in place strong policies to guard against and report any possible incidences of sexual harassment, violence, or abuse. We regularly evaluate these to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for our students. That is what they deserve and that is our commitment to them and their families.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you have any information regarding sexual misconduct at the Elms that you would like to share, please feel free to contact me directly by phone (330-867-0751), email (dfarquharjones@theelms.org), or in person during office hours in the school administrative offices.
We will continue to keep you updated with any new information as it becomes available.
God bless you.
Deborah Farquhar Jones
President