Parents of students at an Oklahoma City Catholic school are demanding answers amid several sexual assault allegations.Mount St. Mary did an independent investigation into several sexual assault allegations that involved current and former students.>> Related: Police investigate sexual assault allegations at OKC high schoolA letter was addressed to the school’s interim principal and a board member. The letter, which was turned in on Friday, asked that the school make the independent investigation public or the students will conduct a walkout.”The administration at that school definitely needs some revamping, needs some help because the way they are dealing with these situations, with so many girls, in particular, is just not safe and it’s not effective,” said a former Mount St. Mary student.>> Related: Victim speaks out about Mount St. Mary Catholic School sexual assault allegationsThis student said that her sexual assault allegations were swept under the rug.The school’s independent investigation found several current and former students were sexually assaulted. Shortly after the investigation, the long-time principal resigned.”When we looked at this independent investigation and saw its results — that the Mount had failed to take action that was consistent with its core beliefs and values as a faith-based community — when these sexual assault and harassment allegations were brought to us, we could have done better,” said Daniel Carsey, a school board trustee.However, parents are now saying that wasn’t enough.>> Related: Oklahoma City Catholic school sexual assault allegations, questions arise regarding mandatory reportingThe letter stated, in part, “By operating as you have to date, you have done little but pay lip service to the victims of the Mount’s disregard and have otherwise made a mockery of any idea that you are committed to giving a voice to our children’s inherent human dignity.”Parents demanded that the school make the independent investigation public, apologize to all the victims and evaluate those who “participated in disregarding the voices of the victims.” School officials said that they are taking the letter seriously and are working on a response. If the school does not issue a statement committing to what the parents are asking by Monday, the students will hold a walk-out the following day.
Parents of students at an Oklahoma City Catholic school are demanding answers amid several sexual assault allegations.
Mount St. Mary did an independent investigation into several sexual assault allegations that involved current and former students.
>> Related: Police investigate sexual assault allegations at OKC high school
A letter was addressed to the school’s interim principal and a board member. The letter, which was turned in on Friday, asked that the school make the independent investigation public or the students will conduct a walkout.
“The administration at that school definitely needs some revamping, needs some help because the way they are dealing with these situations, with so many girls, in particular, is just not safe and it’s not effective,” said a former Mount St. Mary student.
>> Related: Victim speaks out about Mount St. Mary Catholic School sexual assault allegations
This student said that her sexual assault allegations were swept under the rug.
The school’s independent investigation found several current and former students were sexually assaulted. Shortly after the investigation, the long-time principal resigned.
“When we looked at this independent investigation and saw its results — that the Mount had failed to take action that was consistent with its core beliefs and values as a faith-based community — when these sexual assault and harassment allegations were brought to us, we could have done better,” said Daniel Carsey, a school board trustee.
However, parents are now saying that wasn’t enough.
The letter stated, in part, “By operating as you have to date, you have done little but pay lip service to the victims of the Mount’s disregard and have otherwise made a mockery of any idea that you are committed to giving a voice to our children’s inherent human dignity.”
Parents demanded that the school make the independent investigation public, apologize to all the victims and evaluate those who “participated in disregarding the voices of the victims.”
School officials said that they are taking the letter seriously and are working on a response.
If the school does not issue a statement committing to what the parents are asking by Monday, the students will hold a walk-out the following day.
