Probe finds 'major shortcomings' at Montreal high school where basketball coaches face sex-related charges

The Marguerite-Bourgeoys school service centre is promising to act on all recommendations stemming from a provincial investigation that found "major shortcomings" in the basketball program at Montreal's École secondaire Saint-Laurent, in the wake of February's arrest of three coaches on sex-related charges.

Daniel Lacasse, Charles-Xavier Boislard and Robert Luu are facing various charges, including sexual exploitation, sexual assault, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching.

Their arrests touched off several investigations, including one ordered by the Quebec Education Ministry. The ministry released a summary of its findings Tuesday.

"The investigation made it possible to identify major shortcomings in terms of supervision and controls related to the basketball program at École Saint-Laurent," the ministry said in a news release.

"In light of the information gathered, the dignity of several athletes was compromised during their time at Saint-Laurent school," it said.

That echoes the results of a CBC investigation in February that uncovered a rampant toxic culture in the basketball program, where coaches routinely bullied and insulted female students.

The provincial investigation makes several recommendations, including:

The Marguerite-Bourgeoys school service centre, which oversees the school, turned down CBC's request for an interview but released its own statement today in response to the ministry's investigation.

"We will spare no effort to ensure that the school's women's basketball program meets expectations and reflects the values ​​of respect and dignity that we uphold," the school service centre said.

It also said some changes have already been made but did not offer any details. 

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