Another Scandal at Oprah’s Leadership Academy

Just as the dust is settling on the scandal of abuse at Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls comes another scandal of sexual abuse.

Seven students were suspended for “inappropriate behaviors” toward fellow classmates that purportedly included sexual misconduct at Oprah’s Leadership Academy for Girls.

Four pupils were expelled and three others were suspended over the incident, according to reports, after allegedly having intimate physical contact with fellow students in contravention of the school’s code of conduct.

Academy spokeswoman Lisa Halliday has since confirmed the punishment but declined to divulge further details.

“Several students were expelled last week for violating the Leadership Academy’s code of conduct. We consider this to be a confidential school matter,” Halliday said. “Therefore, we will not confirm any personal information or disclose any details related to these expulsions.”

“As each of the girls enrolled, she agreed to adhere to the school’s Honor Code and code of conduct policy, which values personal integrity and ensures an environment of shared trust and community.”

The TV icon noted that she was disappointed by the girls’ actions, but rules are rules.

“I’m disappointed that several of our students chose to disregard the school’s rules. It’s disheartening when any student has to be suspended or expelled and it’s a process that involves serious review and consideration. We insist on maintaining a campus environment that commands mutual respect, fosters academic excellence and encourages learners to fulfill their best potential. Indiscretions resulting in disciplinary action are common in schools all over the world. Unfortunately, because of my name these common infractions place the Academy in the media spotlight.”

According to South Africa’s Afrikaans on Sunday newspaper, one 15-year-old was said to have “preyed” on a fellow student and bullied others into lying to investigators about the alleged incidents.

That prompted administrators to send one suspended girl’s parents a letter explaining the punitive action.

“You have been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus, harassment, bullying other other girls on campus and of being dishonest by not telling investigators the whole truth,” read the missive.

The Leadership Academy opened its doors in January 2007 after Winfrey poured more than $40 million of her own fortune into its founding. The school houses approximately 150 children in dormitories and will eventually educate up to 450 students.