Scots College denies shielding boys because parents were donors

Scots College has hit back against claims from parents that the prestigious private school had reacted poorly to the ongoing sexual assault scandal because the families of some of the boys who have been charged were financial donors to the school.

The students – a 13-year-old boy and two 14-year-old boys – were charged with aggravated sexual assault after an alleged attack on a girl in a Bondi Junction laneway on July 22.

Some parents told the Herald they were concerned the school was downplaying the seriousness of the incident because of financial donations previously made by families of two of the three boys, who cannot be legally identified.

Scots College principal Dr Ian Lambert defended the school’s “active and continuing” handling of the crisis, and said he intended to remain in his role until his planned retirement at the end of next year amid calls for his resignation.

“The suggestion that the college is shielding any student because of a family donation is false,” Lambert, who has held the title of school principal for 19 years, said in a statement.

“Donations have no bearing whatsoever on decisions concerning student welfare, attendance or discipline.

“The same standards apply to every student, with each case considered on its facts and in accordance with law, not according to family circumstances or public pressure.”

One concerned parent with a student at the private boys’ school said the anger [among parents] was palpable.

“The accusation is horrifying and, of course, we worry about the effect on our boy, anybody would. The students will be tarred with same brush. Honestly, I think they would have had their enrolment looked into already if they hadn’t donated,” the parent said.

Another parent said the school had failed to substantially address her questions about culture in relation to the alleged assault on July 22 and previous incidents at the elite institution.

“I’m appalled at how the school has responded,” said the parent with a boy in the same year group as the three boys charged with sex offences.

“It’s how you react when these things happen that define you. And the way that the school is reacting right now is appalling personally as a parent, as a woman, as a human being. You don’t have to be a woman.

The question of financial donations is considered sensitive by many in the school community because Scots College is heavily dependent on cash gifts from parents, with more than 400 names listed on the school’s donations register.

Philanthropic giving generally yields the school about $4 million to $6 million a year, according to its financial disclosures. However, much larger sums have been obtained from the school community to fund capital works programs.