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DPS 'aware of concerns' after allegations of sexual misconduct surface at East High School

The district would not confirm any specific allegations or identify any cases under review.

DENVER — Denver Public Schools (DPS) said it is "aware of the concerns" after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced at East High School, and is following the district's rigorous process for review of the allegations.

Winna MacLaren, public relations manager at DPS, on Tuesday afternoon said "when an allegation triggers our obligations as mandatory reporters, we first report the allegation to the police. While under review or investigation, we also work with the students involved to provide supportive measures, put safety plans in place if needed, and take steps to assure that there will be no retaliation or bullying that results."

MacLaren did not confirm any specific allegations or identify any cases under review.

"We take all allegations very seriously and seek to ensure that the process is fair and thorough for all involved," she said in a statement to 9NEWS. 

The Denver Police Department (DPD) said it was alerted on Tuesday to an alleged sexual assault of a former East High student and is investigating the matter. DPD would not say whether the suspect is a current student. 

Several dozen students and alumni gathered on Colfax Avenue on Tuesday afternoon and chanted "No justice, no peace. No rapists at East." 

“I think what really needs to happen is there needs to be more education around rape culture and around sexual violence and stuff, and a little bit more of an initiative from administration, teachers, and other staff members at the school," said Maria Madden. a 2020 East High graduate. 

Madden said she learned of the allegations through Snapchat on Tuesday. 

East High administrators and School Board Director Tay Anderson met the student protesters outside the school and listened to their concerns.

Anyone with additional information about the allegations can contact the district's Title IX coordinator by emailing reportdiscrimination@dpsk12.org.

DPD is asking anyone with first-hand knowledge of any suspected assault or abuse to contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP or Safe2Tell Colorado at 1-877-542-7233. Information can be shared anonymously.

> More info on the DPS review process can be found here.

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