Update (1/25/2018): The mayor of Colfax, North Dakota, says an investigation into alleged student misbehavior at the small town's school that might involve sexual misconduct is "a very sensitive issue" for the community.

Scott Gauslow declined to comment further on talk in town that the alleged misbehavior might involve younger students being sexually violated in a darkened male locker room by older students. He called the situation "bad for the community."

Eighteen-year-old senior Gavin Hill-Olson says he witnessed what he called "hazing" and put a stop to it. He wouldn't provide details, but called the incident "inappropriate" and "pathetic."

Jenny Schmitt, a parent in the district, cautioned against jumping to conclusions while an investigation is pending.

Both the school and the Richland County Sheriff's Office are investigating. Superintendent Tim Godfrey says some students have been "removed" from classes "for their safety and (that of) others."

The Richland County Sheriff's Department, in the southeastern corner of the state is investigating Richland 44 High School in Colfax after parents reported that middle school boys were being sexually assaulted by high school boys.

They first brought the allegations to administrators, who determined that something called a "rape game" was going on, in which upperclassmen would turn off the lights and hold down and violate younger boys.

They say last week, the athletic director, the principal and the superintendent held a meeting with all the boys.

And, five upperclassmen were suspended.

Investigators have been taking statements from the victims.

There are concerns that this is an ongoing problem, with parents indicating that some offenders have already moved on to college.