Denver Schools 'Aware' Of Sexual Assault Allegations Involving East High Students
DENVER (CBS4) - Officials with Denver Public Schools tell CBS4 they are "aware of concerns" regarding recent sexual assault allegations involving students, and a former student, of East High School. Denver Police says it is investigating the allegations.
"The Denver Police Department was alerted to an alleged sexual assault of a former East High school student and is investigating the matter," a DPD spokesperson wrote to CBS4.
DPS says it is also looking into the allegations, using its "rigorous" review process policies.
John Younquist, principal for East High School, issued a letter to parents and students Tuesday, saying in part, "(Monday), we were made aware of complaints relating to allegations of student-to-student sexual misconduct that reportedly occurred several months ago, outside of the school day, and not on school grounds. This was the first report related to these concerns."
Dozens of East High School students protested following news of the allegations.
DPS issued the following written statement to CBS4 Tuesday: "We are aware of the concerns and are following the district's rigorous process for review of allegations of sexual harassment. When an allegation triggers our obligations as mandatory reporters, we first report the allegation to the police. While under review or investigation, we also work with the students involved to provide supportive measures, put safety plans in place if needed, and take steps to assure that there will be no retaliation or bullying that results. We take all allegations very seriously and seek to ensure that the process is fair and thorough for all involved. More information regarding the process can be found on our website here. We welcome anyone with additional information specific to the current concerns to connect directly with our Title IX Coordinator by emailing reportdiscrimination@dpsk12.org."
Denver Police asks anyone with first-hand knowledge of any suspected assault or abuse to contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP or Safe2Tell Colorado at 1-877-542-7233. Information can be shared anonymously.
