Langley student wants district-wide policy for sexual assault, misconduct
Posted March 14, 2022 10:25 pm.
Last Updated March 14, 2022 11:21 pm.
The Langley School District’s code of conduct doesn’t specifically include a policy on how to handle sexual assault or misconduct. One 16-year-old is trying to change that.
Bullying, harassment, and criminal activity are among the violations listed. Discrimination is also prohibited. While sexual assault may fall under these broader categories of misconduct, Mikayla Wilkie says there needs to be a policy that specifically spells out what it is, why it’s important to deter it, and what the school’s responsibility is in responding to it — particularly when it’s perpetrated by peers.
“The code of conduct has specific guidelines for things like drugs or even wearing clothing that has swearing on it, but it doesn’t have a sexual assault as an independent issue. So I think that’s pretty important,” Wilkie told CityNews.
“Sexual assault is a pretty complex issue to deal with. It’s not handled in an appropriate manner all the time. So we feel having a clearly laid out procedure will make the process go a lot smoother for everyone involved, specifically the victim.”
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Citing a survey done by CBC’s Marketplace that found one in seven girls reported being sexually assaulted, by another student, Wilkie says sexual assault is something that impacts far too many girls. According to Statistics Canada data from 2017, 47 per cent of all sexual assaults in Canada are committed against women between 15 and 24.
“I think that’s pretty disheartening, that so many young girls are being assaulted by their peers, ” she said.
“Even just looking personally, at the women and girls in my life, most of them have had experiences with sexual assault or harassment. I think that’s pretty upsetting to hear.”
A petition that started as a project for her social justice class has now gathered 20,000 signatures. It inspired a protest by students at a school Wilkie doesn’t even attend.
“I personally had an experience with sexual assault when I was younger, and being involved in something like this is so amazing. And having so many people support, it just feels awesome.”
Wilkie says other jurisdictions offer a good example of the kind of changes she would like to see.
She points to the Toronto District School Board, which has a separate policy and procedure specifically for sexual misconduct by students. Drafted in 2010, it details what should happen if a student reports sexual assault or sexual abuse perpetrated by a student 12 or older. The principal must be informed after disclosure, and there are procedures outlining how and whether police, parents, or child protective services should be notified. It also provides guidance on how to deal with the alleged perpetrator, including when they should be prohibited from attending the alleged victim’s school, and when they should be transferred to another school or program. There are separate procedures for students under the age of 12.
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The petition and protest have gotten the attention of the Langley School District, and Wilke says she recently met with the assistant superintendent.
“They’ve already taken steps to contact us and work with us. I think that goes to show that they really care about the issue and they want to work on it.”
A spokesperson for the district says it started reviewing the code of conduct in the fall of 2021, including “considering potential changes regarding language related to sexual violence.” Consultations with students and other stakeholders are underway.
“The existing code of conduct is comprehensive and prohibits students from engaging in ‘unacceptable behavior’ including ‘assault’ and ‘criminal activity’ among other behaviors,” an emailed statement reads.
“The District does not tolerate sexual violence. The District recognizes the power of language and its impact on our school community. The potential inclusion or amendments to any of the language in the code of conduct is intended to better reflect our District and to continue our work in ensuring the health and safety of our students, staff, and school communities.”
While appreciative of the work that the district is doing, and understanding that things take time — Wilkie says she’s anxious to see progress.
“I wish things could happen quickly. It would be so amazing if they could just change it.”
