‘Validating’: Assault charges laid against ex-Legacy principal Duff Friesen

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/after-investigation-into-christian-school-claims-assault-charges-laid-against-former-principal

A lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit alleging physical and sexual abuse at a Saskatoon Christian school and church says the criminal charges laid against a former principal are “very validating” for those who have spoken up.

Duff Friesen, 65, turned himself in to Saskatoon police on Thursday and later appeared in Saskatoon provincial court, charged with 11 counts of assault with a weapon in connection with historical claims of abuse.

After serving as a teacher and principal at Legacy Christian Academy in Saskatoon, Friesen has served as principal at Regent Academy in Prince Albert.

Friesen was released by consent on conditions that include no contact with a list of complainants, and not working or volunteering in any capacity with people under the age of 16. His lawyer appeared by phone, while Friesen appeared in person. His next scheduled appearance is July 17.

A $25-million class action lawsuit alleges Legacy Christian Academy, formerly known as Christian Centre Academy, and Mile Two Church perpetrated and allowed the spanking of students, fondling of minors by church staff and other physical, psychological and sexual abuse.

Postmedia has spoken with approximately a dozen students who attended the school from its inception in the mid-1980s until the early 2010s. Most claimed church and school officials had hit them on the buttocks with large, wooden paddles as a form of discipline for perceived indiscretions that included everything from talking back to a teacher to failing to tuck in a chair.

Caitlin Erickson, one of the two initiating plaintiffs of the lawsuit, said in an interview Thursday those who have spoken publicly or with Saskatoon police are “validated in their feelings and their experiences.

“We are definitely expecting more charges down the road.”

Friesen is the second person charged criminally in connection with the allegations.

Aaron Benneweis, 46, is charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation from his time as a coach at Christian Centre Academy between 2008 and 2012.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

In 2021 and 2022, multiple reports were filed with Saskatoon police about “allegations of assault occurring historically,” police said in a statement on Thursday, noting that the alleged victims and accused “were known to one another through their affiliation with the Saskatoon faith-based institution.”

Erickson on Thursday said there were “a lot of mixed emotions” after the announcement of the assault charges. While there is a sense of validation, it’s “also triggering for some,” she noted.

Erickson said many “really, really, really strong former students … have put in the work” to build up the courage to address what they say happened to them during their time at the school or church.

“Through that, they have a lot of strength,” Erickson added. “We are looking forward to seeing justice.”

The lawsuit seeks at least $25 million in damages or, in the alternative, at least $1 million in damages from each defendant. It also seeks an injunction that would prevent Mile Two Church from operating a school for minors, and injunctions that would prevent any of the defendants from working or serving at schools that work with minors.

The suit names 24 people and the provincial government as defendants, including former teachers and administrators.