The article written by Jena Manning undeniably exposed the culture of sexual violence, harassment, assault, and rape at Pembroke Pines Charter High School. The article has brought to light multiple allegations of these crimes, though there are doubtlessly many more that have not yet come to light. 

As PPCHS alumni, students, parents, teachers, and staff, we first and foremost want the brave young women in the article to know that you are believed, that you are loved, and that you are not alone. For those who have unfortunately experienced sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and/or rape but have not spoken up: we are here for you, and you will be supported if you do decide to speak. No words can heal the trauma you have been through, but we hope that our support is a step towards recovery. 

Not only has this article brought up many problems within the culture of PPCHS, it also brings so many questions to light. How long has a culture of sexual violence plagued the Charter halls? How long has the administration been aware of this culture? Why, in the era of the #MeToo movement, was there no education provided to students about this topic? What is the cause of the widespread distrust of the administration? Why is it, when these students asked for help, that they were made to feel ashamed, despite doing absolutely nothing wrong? How long have survivors been silenced?

No one who has been through these traumas should ever be told to “be less friendly.” No survivor should feel that the administration would not protect them. No school should force someone to take classes with their aggressor. No incident report about a high school teacher should ever be dismissed without a full investigation. No student should ever feel that PPCHS does not prioritize their safety and mental health. None of these things should even have to be said.

We demand the PPCHS administration take the following steps:

1. Issue a formal apology to the women mentioned in the article and to the entire student body. The administration has failed them, and this must be recognized to move forward. This apology should include steps the administration will take to improve itself and a statement of support for all survivors.
2. Thoroughly investigate claims of sexual harassment and/or assault against any employee of the school, including the instance mentioned in the article. Corroboration by other students is an invaluable way to support a claim of harassment, and it seems that was not at all utilized in this case.
3. Provide a comfortable and supportive space for students to be able to talk to their administrators and guidance counselors about their experiences. Here, survivors can decide whether they want action taken against their aggressors by the school and/or through the legal system, while being supported by counselors and administrators.
4. Publicly release information on how teachers, staff, and administrators are trained to handle allegations of sexual violence, as well as how this training will be improved, since it has so clearly failed to prepare administrators for these instances.
5. Dedicate time in the school calendar to educate students about these topics. Prevention begins with education, and if it’s not talked about, it won’t get fixed. Discuss consent, harassment, and resources for survivors with students on a yearly basis. 
6. Conduct a thorough and anonymous survey of students in order to understand the magnitude and the root of distrust of the administration, particularly around issues of sexual assault and harassment. 

We believe these steps to be appropriate and effective to help move forward.

Sincerely,
Ths signers of this petition.