Police reiterate no offence has been identified, ask public for restraint as small rally held outside Holy Rosary
The Lloydminster RCMP says no criminal offence has been identified at this point in its investigation into a Lloydminster Catholic School Division teacher, and is continuing to ask the public to let the investigation proceed without further speculation online.
In a statement Wednesday, Staff Sgt. Bruce MacLean said the investigation, which began Tuesday, is meant to determine the validity of online allegations, not to confirm them.
“At this point in the investigation, no criminal offence has been identified as taking place,” MacLean said. “If through the ongoing police investigation, criminal acts are identified, they will be addressed within the rule of law.”
MacLean said spreading unverified claims carries real consequences.
“Spreading unverified online rumours about a person has significant consequences on their personal and professional lives and does not set a proper example for the youth who may have legitimate concerns they wish to disclose,” he said.
The update came as a small rally was held Wednesday afternoon outside Holy Rosary High School. Fewer than a dozen people gathered starting at 2:30 p.m. outside the LCSD office before moving to the sidewalk in front of the school.
Organizer Tigra-Lee Campbell said the gathering was meant to be peaceful.
“This is a peaceful protest to demand transparency, accountability and better treatment for children at this school,” Campbell said.
Passing vehicles occasionally honked in apparent support. Campbell addressed the crowd in a livestream broadcast on Facebook.
Three RCMP members, including MacLean, were on scene during the rally. Police said they were present to keep the peace.
MacLean’s statement noted RCMP had reached out to the rally’s organizer ahead of time.
“Lloydminster RCMP have made attempts to contact the organizer of the rally to ensure the least amount of disruption to the lives of the students in Lloydminster,” the statement said.
No charges have been laid and no individual has been publicly named by police or the school division.
BorderPulse will continue to follow this story as it develops.
Read more: Lloydminster RCMP investigating LCSD teacher conduct claims
Read more: LCSD responds: conduct matter outside school hours, no safety concern
