Schools respond to lawsuit over alleged rapes

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Upper St. Clair School District near Pittsburgh is defending its response to rape allegations that are part of a federal lawsuit.

A 15-year-old girl and her family say the district and several school officials failed to protect her from a 14-year-old freshman who allegedly raped her at school in February.

The district says in a statement that it “responded immediately” when it was notified of the allegations. School attorneys also say the lawsuit contains factual inaccuracies.

In the suit filed Monday, the girl says she was repeatedly assaulted by the male student on and off school grounds. The lawsuit says a teacher knew of the assaults, but school officials failed to prevent future attacks.

The male student is charged in juvenile court with raping three girls and sexually assaulting a fourth.