Groping Scandal at Long Beach Poly
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It's rated as one of Southern California's best public high schools. But now a student scandal is threatening Long Beach Poly's reputation, and raising questions about faculty supervision.
Five Long Beach Poly Freshmen went to Juvenile Court Monday, facing misdemeanor charges for allegedly groping three girls last week on the schoolyard.
Authorities say the three victims are going to be fine, but the school and community are buzzing about how it could happen, especially at Long Beach Poly, a school rated as one of the top public high schools in America by Newsweek Magazine.
Most students at the school now worry their reputation has been tarnished, and it's hard to find anyone on campus who disapproves of the tough punishment.
As for questions about supervision, most parents are waiting for the final word from internal and police investigations.
"It would really depend on what actually, happened," said Karen Cannon. "To me that would reallly make the difference on whether it's just a school issue or one for the police."
According to police and student accounts, the incident took place early last week during a lunch recess. Three girls told school officials they were groped by a group of boys who formed a circle around them.
Two students who say they witnessed the incident told NBC Los Angeles that the incident got out of control quickly after one girl was touched, and other boys joined in.
School officials say none of the girls required medical attention. The incident was investigated, and by the end of the week, five male students had been arrested. All of them were charged with misdemeanor sexual battery Monday in Juvenile Court. Two were expelled from school. The other three were suspended.
School officials are hoping the quick and tough response will restore order in the school. But because police are involved, they aren't saying much in public. And everyone at the school seems eager for the Thanksgiving break to begin.
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