Hamilton County school board denies liability in rape case

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Hamilton County Board of Education argues in court filings that it should not be held liable for the rape of a freshman basketball player.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports (http://bit.ly/2g0cfhq ) that the legal repose comes in the case brought against the school board and three Ooltewah High School employees. The lawsuit claims that district and school administrators knew abuse was taking place and failed to protect students.

Three teammates were tried and convicted as juveniles in the assault with a pool cue that occurred when the team was playing in a tournament about 150 miles away in Gatlinburg in December.

An investigation by the Hamilton County district attorney’s and sheriff’s offices after the incident found “permissive coaches” and “an apathetic administration” allowed a culture of bullying to spread.