Over a period of at least twenty three years at Marist College Canberra, hundreds of documented instances of sexual abuse were committed upon innocent children.

The proposed plaque, to be installed on the school grounds, will serve as a permanent warning to future generations of students, reminding them that child sexual abuse is a real threat, that it can happen at their school, that it is wrong and should be reported. The plaque will give students the vocabulary to talk about any inappropriate behaviour, and as such would arm them with the ability to protect themselves.

Full text of the proposal made to Marist College Canberra :

It is requested that a plaque be placed permanently on the school grounds, placed at eye level and such that it is prominently visible to students, teachers and visitors to the school, and made of sturdy materials. The plaque to carry the following inscription, in large and prominently visible type:

In remembrance of the students who were victims of sexual abuse in this school over the years 1970 to 1993. Lest it ever happen again.

The plaque was initially proposed by Nicholas Quaine, former student and victim, and discussed at the College Advisory Board meeting on the 22nd of March 2012. Following that meeting, the headmaster and advisory board of the college made known their decision to turn down the proposal, citing "unintended negative impact of giving rise to mistrust and fear".

This petition is aimed at calling upon the college to review that decision.

Article on this subject in the Canberra Times of June 1st 2012 : http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/marist-rejects-sex-abuse-victims-plea-20120531-1zkvf.html