Denver South Homecoming 'Groping' Incident: Principal Reinstated

DENVER, CO -- The Principal of Denver South High School and an administrator were cleared and removed from leave-status by the district Oct. 24, after an investigation of the school's reporting of an incident of alleged sexual harassment between students. Principal Jen Hanson and Student Advisor Lynette Lucero were put on administrative leave as part of a probe of how an alleged September incident between two students was reported to authorities.

"We found that Principal Hanson and Student Advisor Lucero took appropriate actions in response to concerns, including the timely sharing of information with law enforcement, providing supports to students and families, and planning additional education for students. Please understand that we cannot share further details in order to protect student privacy," said a letter sent to parents from Denver Public Schools Deputy Supt. Susana Cordova. "We know this has been a difficult and uncertain couple of days. We want to reiterate that administrative leave is routine in any situation where law enforcement is involved, and does not and should not imply any judgment regarding the actions of the individuals."

School administrators are required as "mandated reporters" to report any sexual misconduct that involves student minors to the appropriate authorities.

CBS Denver reported that the alleged "groping incident" happened during the Sept. 17 homecoming celebrations at the school's bonfire. Several male students allegedly touched and groped a single female student, a senior, age 17. The victim reported the incident to the school within a couple of days, but Denver police said they did not hear about the alleged assault until Sept. 27.
The parents of the victim said they would not be not pressing charges, according to CBS.

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