Bedford vice-principal who was stabbed by student files lawsuit
A devastating incident took place at Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, N.S., two years ago when a high school vice-principal, Wayne Rodgers, was stabbed by a student. The incident, which occurred on March 20, 2023, left Rodgers with physical and psychological injuries that have had a lasting impact on his life.
The student, who was only 15 years old at the time, had four knives in his possession when he was called to the school office to address unauthorized posters he had put up in the school. During a discussion about potential consequences, the student unexpectedly stabbed Rodgers twice, causing serious harm. Rodgers had to undergo surgery for an injury to his diaphragm and required a tube to be inserted in his chest.
The incident not only affected Rodgers but also another staff member who heard his screams and was also stabbed by the student. The criminal case revealed that the student pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and was sentenced to two years of probation last September.
In light of these events, Rodgers has decided to take legal action by filing a statement of claim in Nova Scotia Supreme Court against the school’s security guard, the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, and the province. The claim argues that the incident could have been prevented and holds the defendants responsible for negligence.
The allegations outlined in the statement of claim suggest that the school’s security guard failed to recognize the student’s escalating agitation and aggression, failing to de-escalate the situation. It also points out that the guard negligently left Rodgers alone with the student, ultimately trapping him inside the office with the student after the door locked from the outside.
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the Halifax Regional Centre for Education negligently employed the security guard without proper training in search and seizure or de-escalation procedures. It also accuses the regional centre and the province of failing to provide adequate measures for the physical safety of employees, despite being aware of the school’s history of violence and specific concerns regarding the student.
Rodgers, through his statement of claim, emphasizes that the losses and damages he suffered were a result of the defendants’ negligent acts or omissions. The lawsuit seeks damages, although the exact amount is not specified.
As the legal proceedings unfold, a spokesperson for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education refrained from commenting on the matter, citing that it is before the courts. Rodgers is currently on leave, and his lawyer, Robert Carter, has yet to provide a statement on the case. The province’s Justice Department also declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter.
The allegations presented in the statement of claim have not been proven in court, and a notice of defense has not been filed as of yet. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment in educational institutions to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
