in Nice, the principal of the private Catholic high school Sasserno dismissed

Le Figaro Nice

The Diocesan Directorate of Catholic Education (DDEC) has decided. The principal of the private high school Sasserno, located not far from Place Masséna, in Nice, has been dismissed. In a press release, the diocese indicates on Tuesday that the decision has been made “after examining the results of the extraordinary supervisory visit (ordered by the Bishop of Nice on February 7-8), the hearing of the head of the establishment, and after consulting the OGEC (organization of management of establishment).”

For several months, the director, as well as three members of the teaching team, have been at the heart of a case of alleged sexual assault. In mid-October, letters of denunciation had been sent to the bishopric with a copy to the rectorate then to the public prosecutor. An investigation was quickly opened for “assaults and attempted sexual assaults” and “sexist insults by anyone abusing the authority of their functions”.

On March 1, the headteacher was first laid off as a precaution by the school’s board of directors, while the various investigations were carried out. 60 people had been interviewed. The DDEC then referred to “a simple precautionary measure devoid of any disciplinary character.”

“An unnamed indignity”

It is clear that the position has been reviewed. “Several serious and established facts motivated these decisions, which reflect the desire to find a peaceful climate, for the good of the staff, students and families concerned”, now justifies the diocese concerning the dismissal of the headmaster. And to add: “It was indeed necessary to take the necessary measures to guarantee the proper functioning of the establishment, in its mission of teaching and announcing the gospel.By the time a new director is recruited, the DDEC takes over the management of Sasserno.

Read alsoSuspicions of sexual assault: in Nice, the director of a private Catholic high school laid off

The main respondent’s lawyer says for his part “stunned by the public communication thus made around this affair, in defiance of all principles.” Master Philippe Soussi qualifies “of nameless indignity” the method of the diocese, which would consist, according to his words, in “throwing into the public square the honor of a man who could not defend himself and disputes the facts with which he is accused”. And the advice to support: “Those who have acted in this way take a heavy responsibility, not only towards a headteacher devastated by this situation but also towards the many teachers and staff of the Sasserno establishment who gave their support.”