Police investigate report of sexual assault at St. Francis de Sales High School

Students filed into St. Francis de Sales High School Thursday morning with television news cameras trained on them from across the street.

It was the first day back in class in the wake of news that the Chicago Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred in late March at the Far South Side school.

The incident allegedly involved an 18-year-old male victim in a school locker room about 3 p.m., March 23, a source said. The victim allegedly was attacked by five other males, police said. A de Sales parent and school representatives reported the incident to police on Tuesday, police said.

Police had no one in custody in connection with the incident Thursday.

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich said Thursday church officials were completely cooperating with police.

Some parents of students were upset over the media attention and comments on social media.

“I understand the need to look out for one another, the need to say something, but I think the media and people making comments on Facebook that don’t know the full story are blowing this out of proportion,” said a mother who was dropping her son off at the school Thursday morning.

“People who are not fully informed are saying things that can be hurtful. Don’t get me wrong, if this happened to my kid, I would make a big fuss and be angry, too. But when people are bashing other people on social media who don’t know the whole story, that’s not right.”

The school issued a statement on its website Wednesday:

“Dear School Families,

The safety and well-being of our students at St. Francis de Sales High school is a top priority. Yesterday, April 28, after we completed an extensive investigation of a reported bullying incident, consequences were imposed on all students involved.

Our students are educated in a community of faith committed to academic excellence and our caring environment enables students to feel safe and be successful. It is important for the St. Francis de Sales community to be mindful of the care and concern we show towards everyone. I hope you will take time to discuss with your child the sense of safety at St. Francis de Sales, as well as the treatment of fellow classmates.”