Longview School Officials Accused of Failing to Report Suspected Child Abuse

Lars Larson argues that school administrators did not follow mandatory reporting laws after rape allegations at Mark Morris High School.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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According to Lars Larson's opinion piece, school officials in Longview, Washington failed to properly report suspected child abuse after allegations of rape involving students at Mark Morris High School. Larson claims the high school principal dismissed the allegations as "rumors" and conducted its own investigation rather than immediately notifying law enforcement as required by the state's mandatory reporting laws.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of school officials upholding mandatory reporting laws to protect students from abuse. Failure to report suspected abuse can allow perpetrators to evade justice and put more children at risk. It also raises questions about transparency and accountability in how school districts handle sensitive allegations.

The details

Larson alleges that two Mark Morris High School students have been charged with raping other students, but school officials knew about the allegations for months before police were notified. He states that under Washington law, teachers and administrators who even suspect child abuse are required to report it to law enforcement, but the high school instead conducted its own internal investigation and downplayed the situation as "rumors" in a memo to parents.

  • The alleged rapes occurred several months ago at Mark Morris High School.
  • Two weeks ago, the high school principal sent a memo to parents dismissing the allegations as "rumors".
  • The students have now been charged with rape by Clark County prosecutors.

The players

Lars Larson

A radio talk show host known as "The Northwest Nonsense" who is criticizing the Longview school district's handling of the rape allegations.

Aaron Whitright

The principal of Mark Morris High School who sent a memo to parents dismissing the rape allegations as "rumors".

Tony Golik

The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney who Larson says has only prosecuted one violation of the mandatory reporting law in the last eight years.

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What they’re saying

“Teachers and administrators who even SUSPECT child abuse must report to law enforcement.”

— Lars Larson, Radio Talk Show Host (The Northwest Nonsense)

“Two weeks ago, High School principal Aaron Whitright sent out a gaslighting memo to parents, using the word rumors six times in five sentences … and dismissing community concerns as false rumors and speculation.”

— Lars Larson, Radio Talk Show Host (The Northwest Nonsense)

What’s next

Clark County prosecutors will decide whether to pursue charges against the school officials for failing to report the suspected abuse as required by law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of school administrators upholding mandatory reporting laws to protect students from abuse. Failure to report suspected abuse can enable perpetrators to evade justice and put more children at risk, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability in how school districts handle sensitive allegations.