This story is the last of three in a series about protests around the world.
On August 31, a movement for better education on sexual assault and it’s prevention began throughout Denver Public Schools. This movement started at East High School, where one student came forward with the story of their assault. This triggered a series of students of EHS, and other DPS schools coming forward with their experiences.
Several students have been accused of sexual misconduct. Students from South High School and Thomas Jefferson High School have joined in this movement, sharing their stories and spreading awareness. Several petitions have been started, including one requiring DPS high school to have an annual mandatory consent assembly.
Social media has played an important role in helping to mobilize and give this movement momentum. Students sharing informational posts and petitions have dramatically increased awareness and the amount of people participating and supporting the movement.
Annabel Filippini, a junior at EHS, feels that social media has really helped her to get involved, and although she wishes she could’ve gone to some of the rallies and protests held, overall, social media has kept her informed. She is impressed with the efforts made by students so far and believes that they have made progress as a community. She noted how the community identified a serious problem and took swift action to work towards a solution.
“I am very proud to say I go to East right now, because everybody is doing so much to try and get it solved,” said Filippini
In the past, Filippini has attended a protest concerning the movement to better teacher’s working conditions, and one of the rallies help at East concerning education on sexual assault.
“It was super empowering…It was inspiring to see how strongly people were willing to fight for their opinions to be heard,” she said.
Rosalie Chione, a freshman at South High School, believes that education is key to the prevention of sexual assault. She thinks that the education on sexual assault should be mandatory, and not optional.
“I also think that if you know something is happening that shouldn’t be, such as you know of a friend that was a part of a sexual assault, you need to do the right thing and tell a trusted adult, whether they were the victim or not,” said Chione.
Chione has attended a women’s march, which she found to be very empowering.
“I thought it was amazing how many people were there,” she said.
Both Filippini and Chione are hopeful for what the future holds. The two believe that education is one of the most important parts of this movement, and that education and sexual assault prevention go hand in hand. It is vital that communities work together to make school a safer place for every student.
“As I mentioned before, it starts from the beginning. So I think that by parents educating their kids early on. I think it’s also a part of the culture that we grow up in” says Filippini.
This movement is one where it will be an uphill battle to create a significant change, and while nothing will ever be perfect, there is definitely room for improvement in schools everywhere.
