Abuse victims could sue public schools under amended New York legislation

June 05, 2009

New York’s bishops have opposed Assemblywoman Margaret Markey’s proposed Child Victim Act for two reasons: it would apply only to private, not public institutions, and it would lift the statute of limitations on abuse case for one year, perhaps eventually resulting in diocesan bankruptcies.

In a surprise move, Markey has addressed the first objection and amended her act to include public institutions, prompting opposition from New York State Council of School Superintendents. “Statutes of limitations exist for a reason,” the council’s deputy director said. “We would have a concern about litigation arising that would be hard to respond to because witnesses could have disappeared or even died in years past.”

 

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Further information:

• Sex Abuse Bill to Include Public Institutions, Too (New York Times)
• Catholic, Orthodox Jewish leaders fight New York statute-of-limitations change (CWN, Mar 12)
• New York considering lifting statute of limitations on abuse cases (CWN, Mar 6)