Protesters gathered outside of the Great Bend School District offices.

A large crowd gathered Monday to speak out against the district’s response to an alleged sexual assault on a school bus carrying the Great Bend High School boys’ swim team on February 6th.

KAKE reports that Great Bend students surrounded Superintendent Brad Reed as he exited the district headquarters. Police temporarily detained three people during the protest.

Reed says that the school bus incident was handled swiftly and appropriately and they believe that no serious criminal activity took place. He added that the district is working with law enforcement in its investigation.

Ellsworth County Sheriff Tracy Ploutz has called the incident an apparent hazing situation. His office is investigating, and he told TV station KWCH Monday he believes a crime was committed.

Great Bend Superintendent Brad Reed said at a press conference no serious criminal activity had occurred and “appropriate corrective action was taken.”

KAKE-TV reports protesters called for punishment for the accused students and new policies regarding school bus supervision.

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Story from Metro Source News / Associated Press