Calgary Board of Education says it's not responsible for abusive teacher, asks judge to dismiss lawsuit
CBC
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit, claiming it is in no way responsible for the alleged sexual misbehaviour of a teacher who admitted to abusing students over the span of more than a decade.
Michael Gregory took his own life earlier this year, just days after he was charged with 17 sexual offences against former students.
Last month, three former students launched a proposed $40 million class action lawsuit, naming the former teacher's estate and the CBE as defendants, alleging the staff at the junior high where Gregory taught were well aware of his abusive behaviour.
On Monday, lawyer Jonathan Denis confirmed he'd been served the CBE's statement of defence.
The CBE has asked for "dismissal of the claim, as against CBE, in its entirety."
Denis says the clients are "saddened and surprised" at the statement of defence, "especially [at the CBE's] refusal to acknowledge any duty to protect its students."
"Our clients are prepared to have their claims proven in court with the goal that nothing similar ever happens to other students."
Gregory admitted that he "mentally and physically abused his students," according to a 2006 Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) disciplinary decision to revoke his licence.
The ATA found that Gregory "participated in dangerous, demeaning and disrespectful acts with his students."
Still, the CBE is refusing to admit any of the facts.
"CBE denies each and every allegation in the claim," reads the statement of defence.
"CBE denies it owed a duty of care to some and or all of the plaintiffs."
Gregory worked at John Ware Junior High from 1986 to 2006 as a math, science and outdoor education teacher.
Last month the lawsuit was filed against Gregory's estate and the Calgary Board of Education by three named plaintiffs who say they were victims of the teacher's abusive behaviour.
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