NEW: Dozens of Women Claim Abuse at RI Religious School

NEW: Dozens of Women Claim Abuse at RI Religious School

Seventy-Seven women have signed a letter calling on the Vatican to close the Immaculate Conception Academy in South Kingstown, the Associated Press is reporting.

The school is run by the Legion of Christ religious order, which has faced scandal in recent years after its founder, Marcial Maciel, was found to be a pedophile.

The women claim psychological abuse at the school led to suicidal thoughts, anorexia and other disorders.

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The women have also formed a blog called 49 Weeks a Year where they describe in great detail their experiences at the school.

The school did not immediately respond to request for comment.