Hazing not a factor in alleged rape at Brainerd High School, superintendent says

Dec. 07--Hamilton County Schools said there is no indication that an alleged rape at Brainerd High School was the result of hazing.

Superintendent Bryan Johnson told the Times Free Press Friday that though there is an open, ongoing investigation into the incident,there is " no preliminary indication whatsoever that hazing was involved at all."

Chattanooga police arrested a student Wednesday night for allegedly raping another student after dismissal on school grounds earlier that day.

The victim reported the incident to school officials who immediately notified law enforcement and the Department of Children Services.

"The administration reported it to the appropriate authorities as quickly as possible," Johnson said.

Additional support staff were on campus Friday and would remain available to students and staff in the coming weeks, he added.

"There were additional counselors and support staff and several members of the Opportunity Zone team on site for a good portion of the day, making sure that students and teachers feel supported," Johnson said.

In December 2015, a then 15-year-old freshman at Ooltewah High School was raped with a pool cue by teammates during a hazing incident while on a trip to Gatlinburg with the basketball team. The case led to investigations into a culture of abuse that was ignored at the school for decades.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office also reopened an investigation into an alleged rape of a student by another student at Hixson High School in January of this year.

The rape was reported to have occured after school hours during the fall of 2017, but was reopened when more details were reported by a family member of the victim.

Johnson could not confirm if procedures for after-school activities or access to school grounds would change, but did not the district would have to be mindful of what activities were provided after-school.

"You have after school activities, sports, tutoring programs, community programs, there's a balance there between offering the program and ensuring the providers are being really mindful," Johnson said.

The Chattanooga Police Department has not responded to a request for more information about the incident.

Contact staff writer Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.

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