Make sexual education about consent more present in the CBE

The Issue

Everybody who has attended public school can testify that there is a very strong culture of sexual harassment within it (especially middle school). It’s very common for students to create “hot lists”, make bets on who can get the most nude pictures, beg for nude pictures, share and keep nude pictures, play games that include touching others without consent (ex. The fire truck game), and many other seemingly small and playful instances of sexual harassment. 
When I was young, although I knew it made me uncomfortable, I thought all this behaviour was normal. It is not. 
Above this, we can take note of the fact that many rapists excuse themselves for their wrong doings. This is done by undermining what happened; saying it doesn’t really count because “they didn’t actually say no”, “they’re my significant other”, “they were unconscious anyways”, “we’re good friends”, “they said yes last time”, “their clothes were tempting”, etc. 
All of this is caused by lack of respect and understanding of consent. For this, the rules of consent should be taught and understood at a young age. Consent and the rules of consent are crucial and should be much more present in the sexual health curriculum. 

Victory
This petition made change with 522 supporters!

The Issue

Everybody who has attended public school can testify that there is a very strong culture of sexual harassment within it (especially middle school). It’s very common for students to create “hot lists”, make bets on who can get the most nude pictures, beg for nude pictures, share and keep nude pictures, play games that include touching others without consent (ex. The fire truck game), and many other seemingly small and playful instances of sexual harassment. 
When I was young, although I knew it made me uncomfortable, I thought all this behaviour was normal. It is not. 
Above this, we can take note of the fact that many rapists excuse themselves for their wrong doings. This is done by undermining what happened; saying it doesn’t really count because “they didn’t actually say no”, “they’re my significant other”, “they were unconscious anyways”, “we’re good friends”, “they said yes last time”, “their clothes were tempting”, etc. 
All of this is caused by lack of respect and understanding of consent. For this, the rules of consent should be taught and understood at a young age. Consent and the rules of consent are crucial and should be much more present in the sexual health curriculum. 

The Decision Makers

Joanne Pitman | Superintendent of school of improvement, Areas 5, 6, 7 and Research and Strategy
Joanne Pitman | Superintendent of school of improvement, Areas 5, 6, 7 and Research and Strategy
Calgary Board of Education
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