Kamloops Schools Create Task Force to Increase Student Safety

In the wake of a series of allegations that have been coming forward, Kamloops schools are looking at updating their policies and education around consent issues. There are been a two young women who have come forward to report instances of being gropes, kissed, or struck by boys at their school. After these events, parents are wondering what is being done.

Creation of a Task Force

When interviewed, the superintendent said she was “personally shaken by the reports”. The school board is responding by creating a safety task force. The task force will work to update existing protocols and policies around sexual misconduct and harassment.

The school board is starting to acknowledge the gap in support provided to staff and students on responding to cases of sexual harassment and assault. The task force has already released its first set of recommendations which involves calling for more staff training as well as educational consent programs for students. There are also updated protocols for informing parents and authorities of incidents in a more timely fashion.

The task force will continue to work on creating solutions including looking at ways to increase student comfort in reporting any incidents.

Tackling Consent Issues on All Fronts

There are a lot of deeper issues when we are talking about solving problems around consent, sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse. Many of these problems stem from a fundamental lack of understanding and a general attitude about what is ok and what is not.

We are at an interesting tipping point with consent in our society. Thanks to many of the conversations that are happening because of the #MeToo Movement, we are expanding our knowledge and redefining what are the limits. These conversations need to keep happening. We need to continue to educate ourselves, our families, our children, and our friends.

Changing things on a large scale takes time. People need time to educate and digest new information and decide how it fits into their world. Societal attitudes will shift when enough people have had their assumptions challenged and been given a chance to go through this process.

The Task Force is One Step in the Process

The school board creating the safety task force is an important step to raising awareness and challenging perceptions around sexual misconduct. If we can teach people at young ages the importance of consent then we are already making wonderful strides for future generations. Arm yourself with knowledge by grabbing a copy of “Got Consent?“. This book thoroughly covers a lot of the grey areas around consent that people really struggle with. Get yours today and have a handy resource to educate yourself and others. Join our mailing list for more great articles and guidance!

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