CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — The attorney representing a family in a lawsuit against the Cumberland Valley School District said more alleged victims have come forward.

The 40-page lawsuit alleges that the Cumberland Valley School District has a long history of actively tolerating racial discrimination, bigotry, harassment and bullying behaviors.

“The basic theme is the same. This school district condones and apparently condones bullying, hazing and discriminatory acts,” said George Farneth.

FRONT COVER |The lawsuit claims the Cumberland Valley cheerleader was made to act like a four-legged “pet.”

Farneth and Nicholas Miller represent the parents and a minor in a lawsuit against the Cumberland Valley School District filed Thursday. Farneth says they represent a total of seven families, and since the lawsuit was filed, more potential victims have come forward.

“There are additional victims who have started contacting us. So, we expect the number to increase,” Farneth said.

The lawsuit alleges that Jane Doe 2, an African-American student, began therapy in September 2022 to treat mental health issues she was experiencing.

It also alleges that during her time as a CVHS cheerleader, the lawsuit alleges, it became apparent to fellow cheerleaders that coaches tolerated and condoned the hostile, harassing, harassing and racially discriminatory behavior that Jane Doe 2 endured.

In one case, the lawsuit says, the minor was made to pretend to be the cheerleader’s pet and had to walk around as if it were on a leash.

READ MORE | Cumberland Valley SD releases findings of alleged cheerleading squad harassment investigation

In October, the district hired an outside law firm to investigate allegations of bullying in the district that had been brought up during previous board meetings.

The district says the investigation found no evidence of bullying or violations of anti-discrimination laws.

“We’re curious how they came to this conclusion without interviewing people like this family that we represent and none of the other families that we represent,” Farneth said.

I reached out to the district, but they have yet to comment.

The lawyers said they would review anyone’s case for free.