More B.S.

[Anonymous]

http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/FrequentQuestions.aspx

Has HLA’s focus altered due to the fact a petition for a law suit has been filed against HLA?As some of you may be aware, a petition for a lawsuit had been filed against Hidden Lake Academy in September 2006. At this time we were informed by our attorneys that plaintiffs can state all forms of devastating allegations in a suit, and cannot be held accountable for those statements since this is a petition for a suit.

On April 2, 2007, the Judge issued a ruling on the motion to dismiss some aspects of the suit which had been filed by all defendents. We are heartened by his dismissal of: 1. All claims by the plaintiffs that Hidden Lake Foundation, Inc., and Leonard Buccellato had violated the Georgia Fair Business Act.2. All claims against HLA, Inc. of unjust enrichment; and3. All claims for injunctive relief.

We are awaiting the ruling by the Judge on the plaintiffs' motion for certification of a class. Although the plaintiffs have alleged a breach of enrollment agreement, they have not made any claim that their children were abused or mistreated.

Unfortunately, throughout this ordeal a few people have been ruthless and persistent in their attacks, with their sole intent to negatively impact HLA, damaging our referral network. Their allegations have spurred a vicious ongoing attack over the internet behind a veil of anonymity. Their assertions have been personal in nature and made with the sole intention of hurting the school financially and emotionally. Sadly, it appears this has been the intention of the onset. Due to privacy issues we have been unable to defend ourselves, making the damage irreparable in many ways.

Most importantly, however, we want to assure you that this in no way has detracted from our primary objective; HLA continues to function very strongly and our students remain our only focus. Our committment to excellence has not and will not waver. The support we have received from current parents, past parents, colleagues, and professionals in the field has been overwhelming. Thank you. It means the world to the faculty and staff of HLA.s

[RobertBruce]

Talk about half truths.

[Troll Control]

Hmmmm....

They say they are committed to the kids, but failed to mention that they have fired almost one half of their employees and nearly an eighth of the remaining have already resigned, with several more imminnent.  

How can they be committed to the kids with only half of the needed staff?  Not sure how that squares with a "safe environment" or "proper supervision"...

[Troll Control]

Due to privacy issues we have been unable to defend ourselves

translation:  "We DID abuse and neglect many children, including the ones who are most vocally complaining now.  Due to the fact that we don't want this can of worms opened, we will not pursue these individuals out of fear that engaging them will have the effect of having their abuse potentially becoming part of YET ANOTHER lawsuit and the public record."

there.  that's better.

[happyday7]

I do truly believe that HLA is like a sinking ship. Lots of the staff are jumping ship as fast as they can and rowing away. Even if the Judge does not certify the class action lawsuit, can HLA really recover from financial disaster, or will they cut their losses and declare bankruptcy? That is the BIG Question ? :question:

[sick of child torture girl]

was this judge payed off...
what about the charges of child abuse?

[Troll Control]

unfortunately, child abuse can't be raised in the class suit because EVERY class member would have to allege it.  in this case, many have alleged it and some have not.  the issue of abuse will be taken up separately by families going froward, or, if the class is denied, i have been told that 21 families will move forward with individual lawsuits based on fraud AND neglect /abuse.

the best thing for hla at this point would to be to allow the suit to move forward and defend the "watered-down" class allegations.  

if they fight the class and win they will then be faced with many, many more suits for far more serious wrongdoing like abuse and neglect.  there are several hla staffers who have already given statements to corroborate these charges and who will testify in court that hla did, in fact, abuse and neglect children in their care.

but, again, that's not an issue addressed by the class because the class' petition must be, by law, homogenous.  the rest will come out sooner than later.

[Deborah]

unfortunately, child abuse can't be raised in the class suit because EVERY class member would have to allege it.  in this case, many have alleged it and some have not.

Is this the case? My understanding is that abuse can be included in a class, but the alleged abuses must be identical. When I was involved with another class suit we had to dissolve the class and sue individually because all of our kids didn't endure the same identical abuses. We all alleged abuse, among other things, some were common to all, some were different.
Some were held down and slapped in the face with a penis or molested in the shower; some were made to eat a pack of cigarettes (including the packaging), spin around until they puked and wipe it on their friend; some were made to strip and walk down the hall naked as others made disparaging remarks; some had patches of hair pulled out; some were beaten; some experienced sock parties or were startled awake to a flaming torch; some were excessively PTd and/or denied medical attention; etc.etc. the list was quiet extensive.

[Troll Control]

yes, i believe your understanding is quite correct about this matter - this is what i intended to convey with the term "homogenous," all cases must be the same (have the same allegations).

you can bet your ass though that some of these folks are going to let it fly when they file individual suits.  it's gonna be on.  and, as another poster said earlier, these people have the financial wherewithal to outlast/outspend HLA.  it's going under, and soon.

[RobertBruce]

Very true. Which is why as I mentioned before, should the class status be denied HLA is going to be begging these parents to settle.

The school would be better off with the class status, much less damning truths coming to light, probably less in legal costs (now that the judge ruled they cant pull this bullshit with trying to make plantiffs pay their legal fees. Talk about unconsciencable) and it would save them loads of travel time going to and from the court room.

[Anonymous]

unfortunately, child abuse can't be raised in the class suit because EVERY class member would have to allege it.  in this case, many have alleged it and some have not.

Is this the case? My understanding is that abuse can be included in a class, but the alleged abuses must be identical. When I was involved with another class suit we had to dissolve the class and sue individually because all of our kids didn't endure the same identical abuses. We all alleged abuse, among other things, some were common to all, some were different.
Some were held down and slapped in the face with a penis or molested in the shower; some were made to eat a pack of cigarettes (including the packaging), spin around until they puked and wipe it on their friend; some were made to strip and walk down the hall naked as others made disparaging remarks; some had patches of hair pulled out; some were beaten; some experienced sock parties or were startled awake to a flaming torch; some were excessively PTd and/or denied medical attention; etc.etc. the list was quiet extensive.

That is horrible!  Within the context of this thread it sounds like all of these were staff on student abuses, is that true?  Or, were some of these student on student?  Just trying to clarify.

[RobertBruce]

For clarification she's referring to another institute that loves and cares about children as much as HLA does.

[Deborah]

yes, i believe your understanding is quite correct about this matter - this is what i intended to convey with the term "homogenous," all cases must be the same (have the same allegations).

I thought so, but thanks for claifying.
BTW, something I forgot to mention.... there were some common abuses woven into the complaint. People who are interested should read it for themselves and not depend on HLA for their information.

PS. See page 17:

30. If a student fails to abide by HLA's myriad rules, they face various
punishments, some ranging from the mundane like extra work assignments or routine physical activity, to the more severe which can include the loss of all free time or in some cases being sent to HLA's more demanding off-campus wilderness program at its "sister" institute, Ridge Creek . HLA calls these punishments "restrictions", a term well-known around the campus . Even more severe punishments include "interventions," where HLA might limit food, deprive students of sleep, or force them to perform heavy physical labor. If students exhibit consistently good behavior, they are to be rewarded with "positive consequences" such as greater free time, participation in the student activity center and attending off-campus trips .

Also see pg 50 "Misuse of HLA Students"
http://www.bergermontague.com/pdfs/Hidd ... plaint.pdf