The chairman and principal of Scots College have issued a joint statement addressing the community's concerns regarding the handling of an alleged rape case involving three students.
In a communication to the College community, Rev Glen Pather, Chairman of the College Council, and Dr Ian PM Lambert, Principal, emphasized that sexual violence is unacceptable and entirely inconsistent with the school's standards and values. They stated that while charges have been laid against the three students accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in Sydney's east on July 22, guilt has not yet been determined. The College maintains it must respect the legal process to ensure all students are treated fairly, without diminishing the seriousness of the charges.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred away from the College and outside of school hours, and the institution stated it did not witness the event and lacks first-hand knowledge. Information available to the College largely emerged through official New South Wales Police Force statements and subsequent media reporting.
Scots College has committed to the safety and welfare of all students in its care and is making appropriate arrangements to uphold this commitment. The statement assured that students are safe at school but declined to discuss individual arrangements publicly to protect student privacy and welfare.
Age-appropriate discussions about the matter have been conducted with students in Year 5 and above, with additional support offered. Staff are monitoring students who may be unsettled, angry, confused, or personally affected by the situation. The College also highlighted its ongoing commitment to teaching consent and respectful relationships from Kindergarten through Senior School, a curriculum that has been in place for at least 15 years.
The statement underscored the College's foundation in Christian education, emphasizing the inherent dignity of every person and the call for students to treat all individuals, including women and girls, with respect. It stressed the importance of self-control, personal responsibility, and recognizing the harm caused by sexual violence.
The College Council has expressed full support for Dr. Lambert and the executive team, affirming his leadership and shared responsibility for decisions arising from the matter.
School leaders thanked staff for their professionalism and parents for engaging in thoughtful conversations at home. They urged the community to refrain from public speculation, identifying individuals involved, or sharing material without regard for privacy, noting that online commentary can cause significant harm and may have serious consequences. Concerns about student-related content should be reported to the College and, where appropriate, the police.
The College acknowledged that its plain communication might invite further media speculation but stated this would not deter them from prioritizing student safety, upholding the law, and following police directions. While the legal process restricts what the College can say about the charges, their responsibility to care for students, support staff, partner with parents, and clearly state the school's standards remains paramount.
As a Christian community, the College has committed the matter to prayer, asking for wisdom and compassion for all affected parties.