Recently, the election for the 9th grade class president was held at Lake Oswego Junior High, however, after the votes were cast, a few unpleasant things came out about one of the popular candidates.
Multiple students spoke up about how he allegedly said that “Girls who wear short skirts are asking to be raped.” Other students also spoke up, claiming that he has also rated girls based on looks in class, and saying he told another female student that "Women deserve and are asking for any negative attention they receive if they choose to wear revealing clothing," ignoring the student's protests and continuing to express his disruptive and harmful opinions. It has been said that teachers overheard as well, even coming forward to confirm the words of the students, yet apparently even they were ignored.
Alarmed at having such a person as a candidate to represent our grade, a student sent an email to the school expressing their concerns, however, they were told that the school could not do anything, as they did not have enough evidence.
Many students and even some teachers came forward to talk about what they had allegedly heard, and yet the school continued to claim that evidence was insufficient.
The vote proceeded and the candidate who was said to have said such sexist things won the vote. If the students truly get to choose who represents the grade, why has the school not listened to the students?
We want to be represented by someone who treats all genders equally. All the detrimental comments allegedly made by the formerly elected class president were targeted towards girls. How can someone who is biased against half the grade represent us?
Women have fought hard for their rights. A leader should help us move forward, not backward. A leader should represent everyone in the grade, not just one gender.
We call for the formerly elected class president to be removed from office. Will you join us in this fight?