Peter D. St. Phillip Jr. •
Central Maine •
Jul 21, 2025
⚠️ Forced Labor
Hyde SchoolEducationMaine
A parent of a current Hyde School student wrote a letter to the editor expressing concern over the school's coverage in a recent lawsuit. The parent argues that the school's approach to character development and ethics is more meaningful than other schools. The letter defends the school's practices, stating that requiring students to perform light chores is not equivalent to forced labor trafficking.
A letter to the editor discusses the author's positive experience with Hyde School, which their son attended in the 1990s. The author contrasts their experience with recent lawsuits filed by former students who allege they suffered from various issues, including sexual abuse and depression. The author defends Hyde School's philosophy and character education program.
Former students of Hyde School have come forward with allegations of mistreatment, including physical and emotional abuse, at the private school in Bath, Maine. The allegations include a discipline system of forced labor and shame-based group therapy. Some former students and parents have defended the school, stating that it provided a positive and transformative experience.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Joseph Gauld, Laura Denton Gauld, Malcolm Gauld, Martha Gaythwaite
A former student of Hyde School in Maine has filed a lawsuit alleging forced child labor, physical and verbal abuse, and denial of basic needs. The lawsuit claims that students were exploited for labor both on and off campus, and that the school profited from their work. The plaintiff's attorneys are seeking compensation under state and federal laws that allow survivors of human trafficking to pursue civil damages.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:The Gaulds, Malcolm Gauld, Laura Gauld
Former students of Hyde School in Bath, Maine, have alleged emotional and physical mistreatment, including forced labor and neglect, which had lasting negative effects on their mental health. The school denies the claims, calling them 'patently false.' A federal lawsuit has been filed against the school and its leaders, alleging human trafficking, forced labor, and negligence.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Joseph Gauld, Malcolm Gauld, Laura Denton Gauld, Dana McAvity
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Hyde School, alleging decades of physical and emotional abuse, as well as forced labor, against hundreds of students. The lawsuit claims that the school's administration was aware of and condoned the abuse, and that it was part of a 'hidden curriculum' that prioritized character development over student well-being. The plaintiffs, including Jessica Fuller, Angie, and Rachel Deadman, share their experiences of being subjected to physical restraint, humiliation, and emotional manipulation while attending the school.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Joe Gauld, Malcolm Gauld, Laura Gauld, Laurie Hurd
Jessica Orozco •
Springfield News-Sun •
May 2, 2025
⚠️ Physical Restraint
ChokingStaff MisconductOhioOperation Rebirth
A staffer at Operation Rebirth boarding school has been charged with choking a 13-year-old student. The incident occurred on February 26, and the staffer, Emilio Valdez, was fired and faces felony charges.
The 'troubled teen industry' in Arizona has been criticized for its lack of accountability, with some facilities using methods such as 'attack therapy' that can be harmful to the teenagers in their care. Survivors have reported experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other long-term effects after attending these programs. There have been legal issues with some of these companies, including a recent $2.5 million judgment against Spring Ridge Academy.
Former students of Spring Ridge Academy have alleged harsh treatment at the boarding school. The allegations are based on journal entries from the students, which describe their experiences. A lawsuit has been filed related to the allegations.
A federal jury found Spring Ridge Academy liable for multiple counts of fraud, ordering the school to pay over $2.5 million in punitive damages. Former students described a regimen of coercion, isolation, and abuse at the school. The lawsuit alleged that the school deceptively marketed itself as a therapeutic boarding school but instead subjected students to cultish rituals without adequate oversight.
Spring Ridge Academy, a facility for troubled teens in Arizona, has been ordered to pay $2.5 million in a lawsuit claiming fraud. The facility, which closed in 2023, used outdated therapies and procedures born out of a cult from the 1950s. Survivors of the facility report experiencing physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to participate in humiliating group therapy sessions.
A 16-year-old boy named Daniel Yuen went missing after enrolling in a 'tough love' bootcamp in California. His family had been seeking help for his depression. The bootcamp, CEDU Running Springs, was supposed to provide support, but Daniel vanished. An investigation into the troubled teen industry has uncovered ties to a dangerous cult and raises questions about the treatment of teenagers in these facilities.
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Substance Abuse⚠️ Suicide⚠️ Child Death
NYFamily Foundation School
The Family Foundation School, a boarding academy in rural New York, closed in 2014 after allegations of abuse, including solitary confinement and physical restraint. Since its closure, at least 90 alumni have died, primarily due to drug overdoses and deaths by suicide. The school's history of abuse and neglect has been reported by former students, who have spoken out about their experiences.
A 22-year-old Oaklawn employee, Nicole Martin, was fired and charged with three counts of child seduction after allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old patient at the facility.
Thousands of individuals have been removed from Maine's Sex Offender Registry before their sentences ended. One individual, Stephen McIntire, shared his experience of being on the registry and the challenges he faced. McIntire was removed from the list after a lawsuit, but was later accused of new offenses.
Sexual MisconductArrestConvicted OffenderMaineHyde School
A convicted sex offender, Stephen McIntire, is wanted by police for failing to register and for suspected 'Peeping Tom' incidents at the Hyde School campus. McIntire was previously convicted of gross sexual assault and violation of privacy. Police have obtained a warrant for his arrest on charges including failure to comply with the sex offender notification act and violation of privacy.
Riley Board •
The Portland Press Herald •
Jan 16, 2013
Private SchoolAdministrationLeadershipMaineHyde School
Don MacMillan, the headmaster of Hyde School, has announced his decision to step down from his position at the end of the school year. Laura Gauld, a Hyde graduate and current executive director of Hyde's boarding schools, will take over as head of school. MacMillan has spent nearly 30 years at Hyde School, including the past five as headmaster.
