MARANA, Ariz. — Reports of sexual assault and violence prompted protests at two Tucson schools last week.
Earlier last week, Marana Unified School District confirmed a group of students protested at Marana High School following the reports of sexual assault and violence on its campus. They say students believe the reports had not been properly addressed by the school or the district administration.
After videos of the protests were shared on social media, MUSD's other high school, Mountain View High School notified parents on Friday that a peaceful protest was held during lunch on campus.
According to MUSD, about 200 Mountain View students assembled in the plaza. Officials say "students chanted and cheered after student speakers shared information."
The district said several of the high school's teachers, counselors and administrators joined the students and provided them with support. The participating students returned to class without incident when the lunch bell rang.
"At Mountain View and in the District, we take allegations of sexual assault very seriously. It is also our legal obligation related to Title IX policy," MUSD officials shared Friday afternoon. "Any concern we have received related to sexual assault/violence has been promptly investigated. This school year, MUSD has not received any Title IX formal complaints."
>> This story was written by KVOA, find more from the state here.
In a previous statement, Mountain View officials also informed Pima County Sheriff's Department about the "rumors and anticipated activity" ahead of Friday's protest.
"We are committed to maintaining a safe and orderly environment should a protest occur. Students have a right to free speech and expressing their concerns as protected by the First Amendment," Mountain View officials said. "Students cannot be disruptive to the school day, however, or engage in activity that may be harmful to anyone at the school."
To read the complete "Safety Notification," click here.
On Tuesday, MUSD released the following statement in regards to the protest at Marana High School:
Yesterday at Marana High School, a group of students formed a protest, stating that there had been reports of sexual assault/violence on campus, which they believed had not properly been addressed by the school or District administration. The protest began peacefully and school and District administrators listened to students’ concerns. Over time, the protest became increasingly disruptive to the school day and administrators asked the students to return to class at approximately 1:50, ending the protest.
MUSD has stringent protocol and processes for managing sexual assault allegations, and every concern we have received related to this event or similar events have been promptly investigated and/or turned over to local law enforcement agencies when necessary. School and District leaders will continue to follow up on the students’ concerns that were shared during the protest.
At MHS and in MUSD, we take allegations of sexual assault very seriously, as it is our legal obligation related to Title IX. Equally as important is our commitment to our students, staff and families that we provide a safe learning environment. This school year, MUSD has not received any Title IX complaints. Any individual, student or staff member is encouraged to use proper channels to report any potential cases of sexual assault, violence or discrimination, which we will follow up on and work with local law enforcement agencies when appropriate. More information about Title IX can be found on our website.
Marana Unified School District
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