Rape Allegation, Race, Glare of National Media Divide Magic Valley Town

DIETRICH, Idaho (AP) — Residents of a small Idaho town are defending their community after receiving national attention over reports that a black high school football player was raped by three teammates.

The victim's mother says the Oct. 23 locker room attack was a culmination of prolonged harassment her adopted children, many of whom are black, have faced at the school in Dietrich. The allegations of racist taunts and physical abuse were revealed this month when the family filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Dietrich School District.

The lawsuit claims the school failed to prevent the abuse even though much of it happened in front of football coaches and school officials. Three teens have been charged. School officials have declined to comment. Residents say the town is a safe and welcoming place and they're stunned by the allegations.