Netflix docuseries on abuse allegations at New York boarding school prompts fresh investigation

The Netflix docuseries titled “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping” has led to a renewed investigation into abuse allegations at the Academy at Ivy Ridge, a defunct boarding school in northern New York. The series, which attracted over 11 million viewers, delves into the experiences of former students who describe a regime of oppression, violence, and abuse at the school. These testimonies have spurred over 50 new complaints to the St. Lawrence County District Attorney, marking the first such complaints since the documentary aired. The Academy, which operated from 2001 to 2009 and was associated with the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS), faced previous scrutiny, including a riot by students in 2005 and a legal settlement over misrepresented academic credentials. The local prosecutor is now collaborating with state police to evaluate these allegations, although limitations due to the statute of limitations may restrict the ability to pursue many cases. This fresh scrutiny highlights the lasting impact of the school’s alleged abusive practices and the ongoing quest for justice and closure by its former students.

Source: AP News