The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa is facing another scandal after seven students were expelled for alleged sexual impropriety, according to a report by the Afrikaans on Sunday newspaper.
According to the South African paper, a 15-year-old student "preyed" on a fellow schoolmate and made other students lie to investigators about the alleged incidents. Additionally, six more students at the all-girls school have been expelled for allegedly "intimidating others into partaking of inappropriate behaviours."
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A letter was reportedly sent to one of the student's parents that read, "You have been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus, harassment, bullying other girls on campus and of being dishonest by not telling investigators the whole truth."
A spokesperson for The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy acknowledged the expulsion of the students, but would not reveal any of the details behind their removal.
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"Several students were expelled last week for violating the Leadership Academy's Code of Conduct. We consider this to be a confidential school matter. Therefore, we will not confirm any personal information or disclose any details related to these expulsions." Lisa Halliday, spokesperson for The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation said in a statement released to Access Hollywood.
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Oprah also spoke out on the alleged incidents.
"Indiscretions resulting in disciplinary action are common in schools all over the world. Unfortunately, because of my name these common infractions place the Academy in the media spotlight. As each of the girls enrolled, she agreed to adhere to the school's Honor Code and Code of Conduct policy, which values personal integrity and ensures an environment of shared trust and community," the talk show host said in a statement.
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"I'm disappointed that several of our students chose to disregard the school's rules. It's disheartening when any student has to be suspended or expelled and it's a process that involves serious review and consideration. We will not tolerate a violation of school policy and dishonesty. We insist on maintaining a campus environment that commands mutual respect, fosters academic excellence and encourages learners to fulfill their best potential," Oprah's statement continued.
This is not the first scandal to plague Oprah's Leadership Academy. In November 2007, just 11 months after the school opened, dorm matron Virginia "Tiny" Makopo was arrested on 13 charges of indecent assault, assault, and criminal injury allegedly committed against six students and one adult at the school. "Tiny" Makopo says she is not guilty of the charges and is due to come back in court on June 1.
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