Mace-Kingsley Ranch School

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The Mace-Kingsley Ranch School was a school for teens with behavioral and emotional problems in a rural ranch environment.[1] It was established in 1987 in Reserve, New Mexico. Mace-Kingsley was notable for being the only Church of Scientology-based school in New Mexico.

The School has been the subject of controversy and allegations of child abuse, notably on blogs.[2][3][4]

Critics have stated that "students underwent boot camp-style manual labor programs, Scientology sessions, and social isolation."[5] Wally Hanks, a former marine and owner of the ranch, has, in particular, been accused of sexual impropriety and pedophilia towards the female students at the school. As reported in the New York Post, "Williams was charged with rape and sodomy with a minor, and later convicted of sexual battery and sodomy" as a result of which "[a student's family] endured death threats, stalkers and other harassment."[6] Notably, the school was located in Palmdale, California when these events occurred.

Rolling Stone magazine investigated the School before Mace-Kingsley closed in 2002, and while the article was critical of the school's practices, the author did not find evidence of child abuse.[7]

The school has since been closed. However, the Nonpublic Schools Commission of the State of New Mexico Department of Education has met to discuss "the Ranch School... formerly the Mace-Kingsley Ranch School."[8]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Struggling Teens
  2. ^ Holy Smoke
  3. ^ Meagan Porpora at Scientology's Mace-Kingsley Ranch
  4. ^ Tax Exempt Child Abuse and Neglect
  5. ^ http://www.exscientologykids.com/schools
  6. ^ SCN SEX ASSAULT NIGHTMARE * NYPost * 10/2/05
  7. ^ Rolling Stone Magazine
  8. ^ Cover up of pedophile child sexual abuse by Scientologists


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