Mount St. Mary Students, Parents File Anonymous Lawsuit Claiming School 'Fostered' Rape Culture

A group of current and former Mount St. Mary students and their parents claim in a new lawsuit that the private catholic high school "fostered and allowed a rape culture that shamed women and girls."

The group of 10 current and former MSM students and six parents and guardians filed anonymously through Attorney Rachel Bussett.

The MSM Board of Trustees is also named in the lawsuit, along with MSM sponsors the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas South Central Community.

In part, the lawsuit claims MSM "fostered and allowed a rape culture that shamed women and girls and tolerated sexual harassment and assault by men and boys, including students and teachers and coaches who are MSM employees."

A spokesperson for MSM said the school is prepared a comment on this new lawsuit. 

I have been made aware of the lawsuit but am unable to comment on pending legal situations. What I can speak to is the confidence I have in the direction of Mount St. Mary Catholic High School. As an alumna and former parent, I know the pain our school's community has faced over the last six months. We must ensure that we maintain a compassionate environment where students can grow and excel. Our future provides an opportunity to not only educate, but to improve. Throughout my interview process I was encouraged by the unified efforts of the board, staff, Archdiocese, Sisters of Mercy and parents to bolster the protection and dignity of our students through the Voices for Human Dignity initiative. The work of this initiative and its Task Force has already begun and will continue to be a priority for our new leadership team. I'm confident in the future of The Mount and look forward to serving our students, families and community as principal. - Laura Cain, MSM Principal