LAPD investigates alleged sexual assault at Hamilton High School
LOS ANGELES >> An investigation was continuing Tuesday into an alleged sexual assault of a female student in a boys bathroom at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, possibly involving several male students.
Several students told reporters the assault was captured on video that was posted on social media.
The Los Angeles Unified School District issued a statement saying, “At Los Angeles Unified, the wellbeing and safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance. An alleged incident occurred on the campus of Hamilton High School earlier this week potentially involving several students in the boy’s restroom.
“The school administration immediately and proactively began coordinating with the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Unified School Police to investigate the issue. Our school crisis team was also activated and students were given an opportunity to speak to counselors about their concerns.
“At this point, this situation is an ongoing police investigation. As such, we are unable to comment further so as not to interfere with the police investigation, as well as to respect the privacy rights of students. At Los Angeles Unified, we take all student matters very seriously, and uphold the privacy and confidentiality of all in our school communities.”
The school’s principal, Jennifer Baxter, notified parents about the alleged assault via voicemail, reiterating that counseling services have been made available to students. She said police are investigating what she called an “incident ... involving several students in the boys’ restroom.”
Students at the school in the 2900 block of South Robertson Boulevard told reporters the video depicts several male students surrounding and sexually assaulting a female student in the bathroom. The alleged assault is believed to have occurred last week.
Fox11 reported the high school has hired two additional security aides and is allowing students to go to the restroom in pairs in the wake of the alleged assault.