STUDENT LEAVES SCHOOL AFTER ALLEGED 'TOUCHING'

A Winnipeg family says a teenaged student is being forced to change schools
after alleging that a senior administrator touched him inappropriately
while searching for marijuana.

The family is seeking support from native organizations and considering
legal action, his uncle said yesterday. The school called the family to
come to the office yesterday morning, and told them that the boy is being
transferred to another school, the uncle said.

The boy's grandmother said he was caught smoking marijuana on the grounds
of the school last month, and was taken to a windowless office where he was
questioned by a female administrator, with the door closed and no one else
was present.

The woman searched the boy's pockets for additional drugs, and in the
process touched his genitals, the grandmother alleged.

The boy's uncle said the family called the police, but police have
concluded that there were no witnesses and no physical evidence.

A police spokeswoman confirmed yesterday that no charges will be laid.
However, the uncle said, the family was told yesterday that the boy will be
transferred immediately to another school because the administrator is
uncomfortable having him remain in the school.

The school division refused to comment.

The family confirmed that the boy did smoke marijuana on school property
and served a three-day suspension. He now plans to drop his studies and
move to Ontario, his grandmother said.