Principal returns amid controversy over teacher

Brother Lawrence Monroe, the Santa Margarita Catholic High School principal put on administrative leave last week for failing to inform the Diocese of Orange of unspecified allegations against a teacher, has been reinstated, according to a letter sent to parents this week.

“Brother Lawrence did not follow our policies with regard to the reporting of accusations of misconduct against staff, but ... this inaction was not, in any way, driven by malice or any intentional disregard for these directives,” wrote Father Gerald M. Horan, vicar for faith formation and superintendent of schools for the Roman Catholic diocese.

Eric Hansen, a religion and arts teacher facing the unspecified allegations related to student trips to Europe he had led, remains on leave while the diocese investigates the complaints, the letter said.