I do not understand why they are liable for telling them to “suck it up.” I do understand that they covered up a crime by not getting the police involved. By not calling the police they should and will get their ass handed to them in court.
All they had to do is pick up the phone, call the cops and call the parents.
Something is missing from this story.
The principal (who was a coach) and the school district also had to settle a federal lawsuit 10 years ago over bullying athletes.