The elite Horace Mann School yesterday publicly apologized for the decades-long sexual abuse of dozens of students — but officials did not say they’d support an outside investigation of the scandal as some victims had demanded.
In a joint statement, Board of Trustees Chairman Steven Friedman and Principal Thomas Kelly said “it is clear that between 1962 and 1996, former teachers and administrators in fact did abuse, in various degrees, students.”
“We sincerely apologize for the harm that was caused by the teachers and administrators who abused anyone during their years at Horace Mann School,” they added.
The Bronx prep school has also reviewed its policies for preventing and reporting abuse and removed the position of emeritus trustee from its board.
But officials did not back an independent probe of the abuses — failing to grant the main request from victims and alumni.
“The apology is a teeny weeny baby step in the right direction,” said attorney Rosemarie Arnold, who represents one of the victims. “Being the last step, however, it falls short of being productive.”
Arnold said Horace Mann clearly fears that an independent investigation would expose the “shameful concealment” of the abuses going up to the school’s administration — not just the board of trustees.
The apology marks the first time school officials have spoken publicly about the sex scandal, which came to light last June.
Some 30 victims have come forward to accuse Horace Mann of turning a blind eye to the abuse and tell in detail how they were molested at the hands of teachers and coaches.
The Bronx DA’s Office in April said a 10-month investigation showed a “systematic pattern of alleged abuse.”
Horace Mann said it has reached settlements with some 20 former students who said they were abused.
But prosecutors said they would not be able to file charges because the statute of limitations has passed.
Horace Mann said most of the abusers are “either dead or mentally infirm.”
The rest, school officials said, are “unwilling to respond to the allegations” — and the school cannot force them to do so.
Horace Mann also has promised to create an advisory panel on student safety and appoint an abuse victim to the Head of School Committee, which advises the board of trustees.
The school will release its own report detailing the abuses while protecting the victims’ identities.
“While nothing we can say or do will erase the painful memories shared by the survivors, we hope our actions demonstrate our resolve never to forget this portion of our past and reiterate our commitment to the safety of today’s students,” the school’s statement said.