‘They can’t speak up’: Another protest held alleging sexual assault, harassment at Calgary high schools

Another protest was held on Monday afternoon outside a Calgary high school, with students alleging sexual assault and harassment by fellow students.

Hundreds of students walked out of Henry Wise Wood High School, claiming their calls have fallen on deaf ears and things need to change.

“Many people have been sexually assaulted and when confronted, the (Calgary Board of Education) has done nothing and swept it under the rug for their own reputation,” explained protest organizer Alexa Berman. “So, we’re just trying to bring awareness to everyone.”

She adds that some of her friends have been victims of sexual assault and they’re too scared to come forward and share their stories.

“It has hurt them so bad.

“They can’t speak up because they’re scared they’re gonna get hurt if they do.”

Berman says the students are calling for more action from the CBE.

“We want them to take accountability and help us, we can’t do this alone and we need as many people to help us as possible,” said Berman.

CityNews reached out to the CBE on the matter in which it responded:

“CBE takes the concerns raised by students seriously. Students learning how to use their voice and identify and report concerns is important. This learning process can be complex for students and families. Schools prioritize communication with all individuals involved, and must determine the best ways to support the safety and well-being of all members of their community.

“The CBE has a process for working with families and students to address concerns and reports of this nature. Parents are important partners for supporting student well-being and are directly involved in the process for addressing reports and concerns of any nature that impact student safety, well-being and learning. We take these matters seriously and, where required, support students and families in working with the Calgary Police Service.

“It is important that students feel safe and supported in reporting their concerns on any matter. We are committed to listening to students to learn more.”

Similar protests were held last week at a pair of Calgary high schools.

Students at both Central Memorial and Western Canada high schools walked out of class to protest the same issue.

RELATED: Calgary students say sex assault allegations have gone ‘unheard’ by school administration

Students at those protests say they have approached administrative teams with their stories, only to be left disappointed and unheard.

“It’s hard enough to speak up about this stuff and when it’s ignored, it’s really hurtful and it makes us feel like it’s not valid and this is how people stop speaking up,” student Giovanna Ferri told CityNews.

CityNews also reached out to the Calgary Police Service on the protests, in which it responded:

“We are aware of the ongoing protests at Calgary high schools to raise awareness about how sexual assault allegations are handled. Any allegations of sexual assault reported to the Calgary Police Service are taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly through a trauma-informed lens.

“Our School Resource Officers work closely with the Child Abuse Unit and the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre. Every file that comes to the Luna Centre is triaged through a collaborative partner approach to ensure the appropriate trauma-informed care is provided throughout the process of information sharing and investigation. The children and youth we work with are interviewed by our team, when deemed suitable and appropriate, and given an opportunity to have a voice. We commend all victims who come forward to report abuse.”

– With files from Kayla Bruch, Kayla Butler and Stefanie Lasuik