Inquiry into Redeemer Baptist School Allegations
A NSW parliamentary inquiry has revealed disturbing allegations from former students of Redeemer Baptist School in western Sydney, where students reportedly shared beds with teachers and experienced inappropriate behavior from staff. The inquiry was held on Monday, with testimonies from two former students shedding light on the school's culture.
Disturbing Claims from Former Students
Edward Garth, 23, recounted his experiences during a study-stay at the school, where he shared a building with Jonathon Cannon, the principal and church elder. Garth described a shocking incident:
“"I remember one night before dinner, I was in the kitchen getting a drink. As I walked into the living room, which was my bedroom at the time, I saw [Cannon], my principal, walk out of the bathroom into the living room naked before heading to his room. He was startled, and when they saw me, he ran to his room. I don’t know why he didn’t cover himself with a towel."
Garth reported the incident, but faced backlash from Cannon, his brother Noel, and his own parents.
Culture of Anxiety and Boundary Issues
Emma Hughes, another former student, testified that the school's culture left much for students to "untangle" as adults. She described school camps as particularly anxiety-inducing, where students sometimes had to share beds with teachers to save space:
