Important School Message

 

 

Dear Members of the Archmere Community:

 

In the recently released Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, Father Paul Fisher was accused of viewing pornography involving children. We regret to inform you that Father Fisher was employed twenty-one years ago as a teacher for one year in 1997-1998 by Archmere Academy. We are deeply disturbed by the accusations, and have no knowledge or record of inappropriate behavior being reported to the leadership of the Academy during his time on the faculty.

 

The Academy’s current sexual abuse and harassment policy is in alignment with “For the Sake of God’s Children,” and complies with the State of Delaware’s policies. In addition, Archmere Academy has been working with the Beau Biden Foundation on insuring that our school provides a safe and nurturing environment for young people. We have in place annual staff training, written guidelines and policies, and regular reviews of those guidelines and policies dealing with sexual abuse and harassment.

 

A Delaware Online article on the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report references the fact that the Norbertine community founded Archmere Academy. In 2001, Archmere Academy’s ownership and leadership structure changed, such that it is an independent, Catholic, Delaware non-profit institution. Archmere has a sponsorship relationship with the Norbertine Community of Daylesford Abbey, which affords the Academy the opportunity to sustain the religious charism of Saint Norbert. It has no affiliation with the Norbertine Community in Middletown, Delaware.

 

We believe that those who have been accused of and acknowledge these reprehensible actions should receive the appropriate consequences of their actions, and we must be supportive advocates for the survivors of such abuse.

 

Sincerely,