PORTLAND, Maine — A former student of Hyde School has filed a lawsuit accusing the private boarding institution of operating an extensive child exploitation scheme. Jessica Fuller, the plaintiff, submitted a 47-page complaint in U.S. District Court, alleging that the school, which markets itself as a facility for character development among troubled youth, is instead involved in trafficking, forced labor, and significant negligence.
In her filing, Fuller claims that rather than fostering essential life skills, the school subjects students to punitive work crews, leaves them in isolation, and forces them to perform arduous tasks without compensation and often under harsh weather conditions. The lawsuit has ignited a debate within the community, drawing responses from former and current parents of Hyde students.
Pam Hardy, who sent her son to Hyde School from 1987 to 1991, expressed disbelief over the allegations. “None of the things that are being alleged happened to our family,” she said, emphasizing that the school provided valuable guidance that helped redirect her son’s life trajectory. Hardy reflected on the transformation she witnessed, asserting that the institution instilled a sense of personal accountability in her son.
Current parent Peter St. Philip also firmly rejected Fuller’s claims, labeling them as “preposterous.” His son, Jack, attends the school, and St. Philip expressed confidence in the institution’s disciplinary practices. “To suggest Hyde is engaging in human trafficking through its disciplinary measures is simply ridiculous,” he stated, underscoring that the work crews his son participates in are brief and not exploitative.
The civil suit has sparked concern among some community members, but Hyde School administrators have responded assertively. They have declared the allegations “patently false” and have maintained that no hearings related to the lawsuit have been scheduled.
Despite the backlash, the lawsuit draws attention to broader issues regarding the treatment of students in similar institutions. Advocates for reform are calling for scrutiny into the methods used by private boarding schools, as the conversation around student welfare continues to evolve.
As the case progresses, both supporters and critics of the school are expected to remain vocal in the ongoing debate, reflecting the complex dynamics surrounding youth discipline and care in educational settings.
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