VANCOUVER, Wash. The Vancouver Police Department has confirmed it is investigating possible sexual contact between students in a locker room at Fort Vancouver High School, where students say they are anxious and frustrated by unanswered questions, KATU reported.
A department spokesperson said the school's security personnel contacted police about the matter on Oct. 12, according to KATU. School leaders say they learned of the allegations last week, reported them to law enforcement and began an internal process along with safety measures to protect those who made reports.
Principal Luis A. Castro-Quintanilla told families in a letter that the school immediately reported the concerns, opened its own investigation and moved to protect those who came forward. The district says it cannot share additional details because of federal privacy laws and student dignity concerns, but confirmed it is working with an independent investigator and Vancouver police, KATU reported.
In a statement to KATU, a district spokesperson said all allegations involving student safety and misconduct are taken seriously, that the district is actively sharing all reported information with police, and that appropriate action, including disciplinary measures, will follow if the investigation determines inappropriate behavior occurred. The spokesperson said some of the stories circulating in the community are inconsistent with what was reported to the district.
Students who organized a Thursday walkout told KATU they wanted to press the school for transparency. Shafer Santiago-Militao said the walkout was meant to show the school that students are serious and want answers on serious matters, while Adriel Hopkins said organizers are also working to teach classmates about consent, communication with teachers and peers, and the resources available in the school and in Vancouver for reporting such cases. Another student, Amari Andrews, said she hopes people recognize it is okay to be loud about something that matters.
Other students described a tense campus. Senior Angel Barraza told KATU students want to feel protected rather than constantly on the lookout, and Cody Peach said the school is on edge and many people are angry. Some students questioned whether the school responded quickly enough, KATU reported.
Parents told KATU off camera they want more changes on campus, including increased adult supervision in locker rooms, and said the district has not responded to those specific suggestions. The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office confirmed an ongoing investigation but declined to discuss it further, and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction said it is watching the situation but has not received any complaints.
School officials noted the cancellation of the remaining varsity football games was due to player injuries and limited availability, and said the safety and well-being of students is the priority as outside investigators and police determine whether further action is needed.