Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit, NU (Sep 23/02) - Nakasuk principal Robert Hal Richards died alone June 7, 2001, unable to find out why he was suspended from his job.

Recommendations include - That a protocol be developed jointly by Government of Nunavut, the Federation of Nunavut Teachers regarding how an employee is to be treated and supported in the event that an allegation of physical or sexual abuse is made against him/her. Such a protocol should include specific roles to be undertaken by support person (s) and set out expected process and who is to communicate with the affected employee. - That letter of suspension include information as to the process that will follow -- possible length of time of suspension, help line and support person phone number and who to contact with question's about process. - That all inquiries from a suspended employee to the employer should be responded to within 24 hours. - That there should be a clear protocol setting out who is responsible for informing staff of an employee's suspension. Responsibility should be that of the regional office if involving principal; in case of teacher suspension, the principal will be responsible for informing staff. - A memorandum of understanding be developed between the RCMP and the Dept. of Education to outline the procedures and protocols for each party when dealing with employees of the department. - The human resources policy be amended to include options and procedures to be undertaken should an investigation not be completed within the 60 day maximum suspension period. - The department report all suspensions to the appropriate DEA representative - the chairperson. If it is a sexual/physical abuse case only the chairperson will be notified on the board.

Now, a six-member coroner's jury said the education department needs to set new rules for how it deals with employees suspended over allegations of physical or sexual abuse.

Richards was suspended on May 29, 2001 after the mother of a student filed criminal allegations against him.

Richards killed himself after unsuccessfully trying to find out why he had been suspended. No one returned his calls.

After three days of testimony and three hours of deliberation, six jurors returned 16 recommendations.

Among other things, they have urged strict deadlines for responding to calls, a system for supporting the suspended teacher, and a chain of command for informing staff when allegations are made.

During her testimony, Richards' widow pinpointed the lack of policy.

"I really think teachers need what other professions have already - clear protocol and support for teachers who are being investigated in any means," said Elizabeth Richards.

Janice Bedard, assistant principal at Nakasuk at the time, took over for Richards upon his suspension. She tried to get someone to from Qikiqtani School Operations to call him back, but no one listened.

"I was concerned about him. He was at home and alone. I said that he might not be able to handle it - he might crack up," said Bedard.

The director of QSO and all those working with him believed they were just following instructions when they did not return Richards' calls.

"The employer acted upon the advice of others. The advice the employer relied upon may well have been misinterpreted," said Calvin Clark, the lawyer representing the Government of Nunavut.

The misinterpretation occurred when the director of QSO asked RCMP whether or not he could contact Richards.

RCMP Const. Cory Bushell told the inquest that he advised QSO not to contact Richards with regards to the investigation.

"My intention was only with respect to these allegations," said Bushell.

NWT Chief Coroner Percy Kinney, who presided over the inquesst, said while the recommendations are not mandatory, there is some obligation for those involved to consider the suggestions.