Calgary high school students plan walkout amid sexual assault allegations

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CALGARY –

Students at one of Calgary’s largest high schools are ready to leave class on Tuesday to support survivors of sexual assault.

Organizers of the protest at Western Canada High School in southwest Calgary say their action is in response to allegations of sexual assault and what they call a lack of support from the school administrators.

They say the rally’s main messages are school safety, education about the issue, and accountability.

In a statement to CTV News, the Calgary Board of Education said in part:

“We are aware of the allegations. We cannot speak to specific details, however, ensuring that school environments are safe for all students is of critical importance to the CBE.

“The CBE has a process for working with families and students to address concerns and reports of this nature. We take these matters seriously and where appropriate we also help students and families to work with [the Calgary Police Service]. “

Ward 11 Council. Kourtney Penner, who has a child who attends school, says she will be on the walkout to show her support.

“As the victim, who was a teenager at the time, we need safe places to go and we need safe people,” Penner told CTV News.

“So if I can expand as a parent or as an elected official to be a safe person to talk to, I’m here.”

If you have been a victim of sexual violence and need support, please contact Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse at 403-237-5888.

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