[Northkeep] Fwd: From the society seneschal re:Youth Combat Issue etc..

[john.sandstrom at sbcglobal.net]

Folks--

I just stepped down as Regional Seneschal for the area Lord Ben lived in
this past August.  I can assure everyone that if this is proven, no one was
talking to the Regional Seneschal about it.

Below is the statement from Meg Baron, the president of the SCA regarding
the issue.  In case anyone is interested.

Going back to lurking now.

Sheik Omar


>
>
> Greetings all!
>
> The following is an official statement that was made by the President of
> the SCA.  Please feel free to share this release with your groups.
>
> Katherine Barr.
> -----------------
>
>
> The SCA regrets the tragic events which have occurred in Lehigh Valley
> regarding Benjamin Schragger, and we wish to convey our sorrow to all
> those involved.  Both as an organization and as individuals we are
> shocked and horrified by the allegations.  We will be cooperating with
> the authorities in every way, and should the allegations be proven, we
> will take all appropriate actions available to us under our governing
> documents.
>
> We are committed to re-examining our policies, strengthening and
> improving them so that there be will no question about our goal of
> protecting our children and youth to the fullest extent humanly
> possible. Such steps are actively under discussion now.
>
> Unfortunately, no set of policies, procedures or protocols can ever
> protect us completely. These steps will need to be matched by a thorough
> and constant vigilance, not only for ourselves, but for our society.
>
> As we work to ensure the safety of our children, we must remind members
> of the press that this is still an ongoing investigation, and we do not
> wish to compromise the efforts of the authorities by making any further
> responses until that investigation has reached its final conclusion.
>
>
>
> The Society For Creative Anachronism, Inc., is an international 501-3c
> not for profit corporation, with the aim of preserving the fine arts,
> arts martial, and chivalric ideals of the Middle Ages through
> participatory activity.
>
> The SCA is a volunteer-run organization, divided into groups by
> region/country/state, then by county, city, and often college campus
> based groups.  For the flavor of our activities, we use the conceit of
> calling these respectively Kingdoms, Baronies,
> Shires/Marches/Cantons/Colleges.
>
> The Society welcomes and encourages family participation, and the active
> involvement of parents in family events.
> I have been advised by the Society Seneschal that only the Corporate
> level of the SCA can issue statements representing the SCA in matters of
> this nature.
>
> Further, there are to be NO "investigations" by officers of the SCA as
> to children in their local groups.  It is not the responsibility of
> officers to conduct investigations of this nature. However, should you
> be contacted by the police in their investigation of this matter, you
> should cooperate completely.  If you are contacted by an individual with
> information pertaining to the case, you are to direct them to the
> Fogelsville police barracks, 610-395-1438.
>
> Katherine Barr
> East Kingdom Seneschal.
>
>
>
>
> ----- End forwarded message -----
>
>
>