Last spring, a 14-year-old girl was raped while on campus at New Rochelle High School. This girl was choked, threatened, and assaulted in one of the staircases at the school. She repeatedly told the boy “no” while a security guard was not far away. The student had previously reported issues with this boy and at the time of the assault, the attacker had an open case with the New York family court for another incident relating to sexual misconduct with a separate student, according to the New York Post. The school was made aware of the attacker's uncomfortable relationship with the victim and nothing was done. There were so many opportunities for this to be prevented but as usual in New Rochelle, nothing was done. When this case came to the public eye a week ago, it came along with the statement that it was the survivor's fault and that she was to share the blame. We the student body, and community members are DISGUSTED to associate with a town that could place such blame on a survivor. We demand better security and better training for security at NRHS. There should be regular monitoring of the hallways and staircases. When a student brings an accusation against another, let them be believed and protected. We come to school to learn. Not to watch our backs for the next attacker. New Rochelle, PROTECT US!! No means no and it is appalling that in 2021, it is the children who have to teach the adults that lesson. To the survivor, please know that each one of us who place our name on this petition supports you and know that you are nothing less than a survivor and never a victim. You and every student alike at NRHS were failed by a system built to supposedly protect us. We the student body and community, will not stop until there is change at the school. Protect your students. Get better security. Properly train your staff to handle these awful situations. And lastly, when you hear a student make an accusation of this magnitude, BELIEVE THEM and never stay that it was their fault.