Longview Petition Demands Accountability at Mark Morris High After Student Arrests

Community members call for transparency and action from school board following alleged sexual assaults by basketball players.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled school ID badge or student hall pass, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the failure of school staff to properly address allegations of sexual assault.A community petition demands accountability from school leaders after alleged sexual assaults went unreported.Longview Today

A petition signed by over 150 Longview, Washington residents is calling for the Longview School Board to take immediate action, including terminating any staff members who 'neglected their responsibilities and failed to act,' following the arrests of two Mark Morris High School basketball players on charges including rape. The petition alleges a 'blatant failure by certain staff members to report allegations of sexual assault' in violation of their duties as mandatory reporters.

Why it matters

The allegations of sexual assault and the community's demand for accountability at Mark Morris High School raise serious concerns about student safety, staff oversight, and the school district's handling of such serious incidents. The petition reflects broader issues of transparency, mandatory reporting, and the responsibilities of school administrators to protect students.

The details

In February, two Mark Morris High School basketball players were arrested and charged with rape and other sexual assaults dating back to November of last year. According to court documents, a 14-year-old victim told investigators he experienced as many as six assaults by varsity team members since Thanksgiving. The two students accused will face trial this summer.

  • In November 2025, the alleged sexual assaults began occurring.
  • In February 2026, the two students were arrested and charged.
  • The trial for the two accused students is scheduled for this summer.

The players

Longview School Board

The governing body of the Longview School District that oversees Mark Morris High School and is the target of the community petition.

Mark Morris High School

The high school in Longview, Washington where the alleged sexual assaults took place involving two basketball players.

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What’s next

The two students accused will face trial this summer, and the Longview School Board will need to address the community's demands for accountability and transparency regarding the alleged failures to report the sexual assault allegations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of school administrators upholding their legal and ethical responsibilities to protect students, report allegations of sexual misconduct, and ensure a safe learning environment. The community's call for accountability reflects broader societal concerns about the handling of sexual assault cases, especially when they involve student-athletes.