Community News

STUDENTS PROTEST HANDLING OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS

CLARRIE FEINSTEIN cfeinstein@metroland.com

Students at the Peel District School Board staged a walkout on Nov. 10 to show solidarity for victims of alleged sexual assaults at select schools.

At Cawthra Park Secondary School in Mississauga, dozens of students walked out of class at 1 p.m. chanting "no means no" and waving signs in the front of their school, after an allegation of sexual assault became public a week prior.

The students claimed that administration at the school were not taking the situation seriously, and were dismissive of the incident.

"I don't like how the school handled it," said

Shayanne Dawkins, a Grade 9 student. "They said if we left class they'd mark us absent. They should be encouraging everyone to walk out. They don't really care about what this movement is, and they should be caring."

Another Grade 9 student, Snehal Virdi said "no matter what age," sexual assault shouldn't happen to anyone, "especially at a school where we're supposed to feel respected and safe."

Anita Monteiro, one of the organizers of the walkout, said the school only cares now that students are making the issue visible. She added, "PDSB is not doing a lot for us, like caring about sexual harassment which has been happening at our school for months now."

Another walkout occurred at Applewood Heights Secondary School, where there have been numerous sexual assault allegations. A solidarity walkout also took place at Glenforest Secondary School during the same time.

Both schools could not comment on the walkouts, and alleged sexual assaults, but in a statement to Metroland, the Peel District School Board said the principals at Applewood Heights Secondary School and Cawthra Park Secondary School completed their investigations of the recent sexual assault reports.

"During their investigations, the principals at both schools contacted Peel Regional Police. Please contact the Peel Regional Po

lice regarding their investigations," the statement said.

"Our principals and school administrators make privacy and confidentiality a top priority in investigations. As a result, we will not provide any more information about these investigations."

Peel police said in a statement: "When the Peel District School Board or the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board noti

fies Peel Police of an alleged criminal offence that has taken place at one of their schools, it is our responsibility to fully investigate those allegations in order to determine if any criminal acts took place.

"At this time, we are aware that there are students who are engaging with a planned walkout at various Peel Schools this afternoon to promote awareness in relation to sexual assaults. Peel Police takes any and all allegations of sexual assault very seriously. However, particularly where any allegations involve young persons, it is important for us to maintain the privacy and safety of all involved persons."

During the morning of Nov. 12, Cawthra Park principal Tyler Mcleod sent a letter to parents informing them there would be walkouts again between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. that day.

The school board added they "respect and support the right of students to advocate for causes that are important to them. Our principals and their school staff also welcome the opportunity to work with any student or student group to discuss ways to advocate while at school."

Eshaal Jawaid, another Grade 9 student who participated in the walkout on Nov. 10 said she wanted to stand in solidarity for the victims and to also show support for Applewood Heights.

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2021-11-25T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-25T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281629603538344

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