Sex abuse victim appeals to Rogersville School District

A month after he exposes predator, man speaks at publicly at school board meeting

Challenges School Districts to change protocol for dealing with Child Sexual abuse

Brings message of hope to School Officials, Students, and Parents

"Children are at risk; Please, do your duty & warn others," he tells them

Victim will also apologize to others who may have been hurt after he was

WHAT
At a Logan Rogersville school board meeting, a Springfield man who was molested as a kid will urge
--- for a change in protocol
--- current and former members of the Rogersville Board of Education to spread the word about an alleged child molesting teacher
--- prod former students and current staff to do likewise

He will also
-- apologize to anyone who may have been victimized after he was abused
-- beg anyone who saw, suspected or suffered crimes or misconduct by the accused predator to “come forward, call police and get help.”

WHEN
TODAY, Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE
In the Central Office of the Logan-Rogersville School District, 100 E Front Street, Rogersville MO

WHO
A Springfield man who recently filed a child molestation lawsuit and spoke out at a 4/20 Springfield news conference about his experiences

WHY
Last month, Adam K. Walker of Springfield disclosed that he is suing the Rogersville School District and Bradley T. Barrett, a former teacher there, in federal court for repeatedly molesting him in the 1990s. On April 25, the News Leader reported that "in 1997, the school board was concerned about 'allegations' against Barrett, records indicate," and they "discussed the allegations over the course of three meetings and unanimously voted to forward information" to the state board, "possibly leading to the revocation of Barrett's license to teach."

Despite this, current and former district staff and school board members kept silent, and Barrett was able to get another teaching job in Iowa. (He's since been suspended from there.)

Walker believes that any current or former staff, student or board member who was in the district during Barrett's tenure in Rogersville has a moral duty to use their community influence and connections to 'reach out' to others who may have been hurt and may still be suffering in silence, shame and self-blame for the sake of healing and prevention.

Walker has been supported by a Chicago based support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. He is represented by Kansas City attorneys Rebecca Randles and Sarah Brown (816 931 9901)

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20090425/NEWS01/904250361/1007, http://www.news-leader.com/article/2009904210302

CONTACT
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790
Adam Walker of Springfield, victim and plaintiff 417 496 8833