School Officials Say They Didn’t Know of Abuse of Black Teen

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho school officials deny they knew about months of racial taunts and physical abuse against a black teenager who prosecutors say was sexually assaulted by three white football players in a locker room.

The Dietrich School District, coaches and other defendants listed in the victim's federal lawsuit said Thursday that they weren't aware of abuse allegations until after the rape was reported. The victim's family claims the school failed to prevent bullying and attacks despite many of the incidents happening in front of school officials.

The lawsuit says the victim faced racial slurs, was forced to recite a racist song and subjected to a nighttime fistfight during football camp. Three teens have been charged in the Oct. 23 sexual assault. Authorities say they attacked the victim with a clothes hanger.