Oklahoma City ( Associated Press) — Ten current and former students and six parents or guardians of Mount St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Oklahoma City are suing the private school, alleging that it “raped” for more than 10 years. culture” has been promoted.
According to the lawsuit filed on Monday, school authorities have learned since 2011 that girl students have been raped and sexually assaulted by students, teachers and coaches and did nothing to stop the attacks.
“MSM promotes a rape culture that values safety, physical integrity, education, and the future of men and boys more than women and girls,” the lawsuit states.
According to the lawsuit, “MSM did not take appropriate steps to report or prevent rampant rape culture and ongoing sexual abuse … rather, MSM shamed the women and girls who reported it.”
The lawsuit says the girls reported the assault to school officials, including the principal, the vice principal and a counselor, who resigned after the allegations surfaced late last year, but were in retaliation by other students, school administrators. Don’t move out of fear. and teacher.
Mount St Mary principal Laura Cain, who was formally hired on Tuesday and officially launched on July 1, said in a statement she was aware of the lawsuit but could not comment on pending legal action. .
“I have been made aware of the lawsuit, but I am unable to comment on pending legal situations,” Cain said.
“As an alumnus and former parent, I know the pain our school community has gone through. We must ensure that we maintain a compassionate environment where students can grow and excel. “
The lawsuit also names the school’s board of trustees and the archdiocese of Oklahoma City and America’s Sisters of Mercy, who are responsible for overseeing the school and enforcing school police, the lawsuit said.
According to Page Hauser, the archdiocese’s safe environment coordinator, the archdiocese became aware of the allegations in October and staff immediately contacted the police.
“He also worked with the governing board at the school to hire an independent investigator to look into the allegations, resulting in the resignation of three staff members,” Hauser said in a statement on Wednesday.
Charges of legal action include breach of contract, negligence, discrimination and harassment and slander for failing to protect students.
The Catholic Church is shaken by allegations of sexual abuse In recent years, Pope Francis has pledged To provide justice to victims of sexual abuse of clergy after an independent audit Retired Pope Benedict XVI pleaded guilty to failing four counts of misconduct as Archbishop of Munich, Germany.
