Statement to the Public and Media from ASD-W

May 16, 2024

On behalf of Anglophone School District West (ASD-W) leadership:

We want to acknowledge that there are a number of inaccuracies, assumptions, and misguided statements circulating on social media concerning Leo Hayes High School (LHHS) and a physical assault that occurred off site during lunch hour on April 30, 2024. This incident was recorded and widely shared in recent days.

The school administration promptly addressed the incident with the utmost seriousness after a citizen reported the physical assault to police, and police in turn notified the school. Actions taken at the school level included gathering information from students and assessing safety requirements & the wellbeing of all students involved.

The Fredericton Police Force is still investigating, and we understand that the situation is with their major crime unit.

We cannot share the specifics of the incident that occurred, including the precursors to the event and the subsequent conversations with students, parents, and others who have responded. In New Brunswick, we are bound by legislation to protect the privacy of students under the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RTIPPA). The Act also prevents us from sharing details of incidents that are under investigation by law enforcement. (Sections 28(1), 29(1), Part 3 – Protection of Privacy)

That said, we can categorically confirm that the adults portrayed in this video are not teachers or staff members of Leo Hayes High School. The school administration and educational support services team have communicated in a responsible and caring manner with the parents and students of those involved in the incident. The superintendent and director have reviewed the work of the school administration and confirm appropriate action was taken.

LHHS takes pride in fostering a multicultural, safe space that is dedicated to supporting all students. They strive to ensure every student feels valued, respected, and safe within the school community through their interactions with students and will always respond when any act of violence, discrimination, or hate occurs.

It should also be said that some of the misinformation, assumptions, and misguided statements being propagated on social media are not helpful and are impacting the otherwise healthy, positive learning and working environment of LHHS. As we move forward, it is important to foster an environment where facts are valued, differing perspectives are respected, and dialogue is conducted with empathy and understanding.