Alberta woman charged over alleged use of ‘the strap’ at Mennonite school
An Alberta woman has been charged after a police investigation found students were being physically disciplined with “the strap” at three private Mennonite schools.
RCMP said the investigation began after a parent reported on May 20 that their child had been struck with a belt at a school, leaving bruising and red marks on his thigh.
Police searched the school and seized a machine belt and related documents. RCMP allege the “practice of physically disciplining students with the ‘strap'” was being used at Blumenort Mennonite School, Wilson Prairie Mennonite School and Tompkins Mennonite School in northern Alberta.
According to police, the practice was included in a shared constitution given to and signed by parents. RCMP said the schools’ educators are not accredited teachers and are considered adults supervising children.
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Eva Bueckert, 37, of Cleardale, has been charged with assault with a weapon. She is scheduled to appear in court in Fort Vermilion on Aug. 11.
“We want the public to understand that these forms of corporal punishment are criminal offences and will be treated as such,” Cpl. Scott Coleman of the Western Alberta District General Investigation Section said.
“We have made Alberta’s Ministry of Education and Childcare aware of this investigation in order to prevent further harm to children,” Coleman added.