Students and parents from Westlake High School in Thousand Oaks are voicing serious concerns regarding the school district’s handling of sexual assault and harassment allegations. The situation was brought into sharper focus during a recent board meeting held by the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

Community Concerns Raised at Board Meeting

During the meeting, several attendees expressed distress over what they perceive as the administration’s inadequate response to reported incidents. Melaina Serve, a senior at Westlake High, articulated the feelings shared by many, stating, “It is truly heartbreaking to hear about cases of assault happening in our school community, and it’s even more devastating to see nothing being done about it.”

Parents and students claim that reports of sexual assault are often dismissed or not taken seriously by school officials. “I shouldn’t have to be worried about walking the halls or seeing someone who I’ve been sexually assaulted by sitting right next to me in class,” Serve emphasized.

Investigation Status and District Response

In a statement provided to KTLA, officials acknowledged that an investigation into one Title IX complaint is actively underway. However, they noted that no additional formal complaints had been filed by students, staff, or parents as of the meeting.

Community members presented their frustrations, alleging that victims were frequently told there was “not enough evidence” or that perpetrators faced minimal consequences. Reports indicate that many young women may hesitate to come forward due to trauma and fear of backlash.

Voices of Concern from the Community

A concerned attendee remarked, “We know that victims of sexual assault are traumatized, ashamed, [and] fearful of reprisal for speaking.” School board member Lisa Evans Powell acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation, praising those who shared their experiences, “I commend you on your courage for coming here and I want you to feel assured that you were heard tonight.”

A father, who chose to remain anonymous, shared that his daughter had been a victim of sexual violence and criticized the school administration for their perceived complacency, stating, “The school administration needs to be replaced, not maybe entirely, but those who are making the decisions that are not benefiting the safety of the students.”

Support Resources Available to Students

Despite the ongoing concerns, district representatives emphasized that resources are available for students needing support in reporting abuse. Parents and students can also utilize an online tip line to report incidents anonymously.

In response to the accusations, a district spokesperson reiterated the institution’s commitment to adherence to federal law, highlighting comprehensive procedures in place for addressing reports and complaints of sexual harassment, which include supportive measures for complainants and investigations led by trained personnel.