Peel Students Organize Walkout, Alle Staff Deny Sexual Assault Allegations

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Dozens of students from Cawthra Park High School held a walkout on November 10 at 1 p.m.

Students from the Peel District School Board held a walkout on Nov. 10 to show solidarity with victims of alleged sexual assault at some schools.

At Cawthra Park High School in Mississauga, dozens of students walked out of class at 1 p.m. chanting ‘no is no’ and holding up signs outside their school after allegation of assault sex became public a week earlier.

The students claimed that the school administration was not taking the situation seriously and dismissed the incident.

“I don’t like the way the school handled it,” said Grade 9 student Shayanne Dawkins. “They said if we left the class they would mark us as absent. They should encourage everyone to come out. They don’t really care what this movement is, and they should care. “

Another grade 9 student, Snehal Virdi, said that “no matter what age” sexual assault shouldn’t happen to anyone, “especially in a school where we are supposed to feel respected and safe”.

Anita Monteiro, one of the organizers of the walkout, said the school only now cares that students make the problem visible. She added, “The PDSB doesn’t do much for us like worrying about the sexual harassment that has been going on in our school for months now. “

Another walkout took place at Applewood Heights High School, where there were numerous allegations of sexual assault. A solidarity walkout also took place at Glenforest High School at the same time.

The two schools were unable to comment on the walkouts and the alleged sexual assault, but in a statement to Metroland, the Peel District School Board said principals at Applewood Heights High School and Cawthra High School Park had completed their investigations into recent reports of sexual assault.

“During their investigations, the principals of the two schools contacted the Peel Regional Police. Please contact Peel Regional Police regarding their investigations, ”the statement said.

“Our principals and school administrators make the protection of privacy and confidentiality a top priority in investigations. As a result, we will no longer provide information on these surveys. ”

Peel Police said in a statement: “When the Peel District School Board or the Dufferin Peel District Catholic School Board notifies Peel Police of an alleged criminal offense that took place in one of their schools, it is our responsibility to fully investigate these allegations in order to determine if any criminal acts have been committed.

“Right now, we know there are students who are engaging in a walkout planned at various schools in Peel this afternoon to promote awareness of sexual assault. Peel Police take all allegations of sexual assault very seriously. However, especially when allegations involve young people, it is important for us to protect the privacy and security of everyone involved. “

On the morning of November 12, Cawthra Park principal Tyler McLeod sent a letter to parents advising them that there would be walkouts again between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. that day.

The school board added that they “respect and support the right of students to advocate for causes close to their hearts. Our principals and their school staff are also happy to be able to work with any student or group of students to discuss ways to advocate for their interests at school.

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

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