Have you experienced sexual harassment in Forsyth County? Share your story here.

Many students are unaware of the rights Title IX provides them–especially in Forsyth County, Georgia, where sexual assault resources are scarce. In Forsyth, many schools have failed to educate students about how to effectively respond to acts of sexual violence, which include groping, catcalling, and other unwanted advances. Neglecting to inform students about Title IX legislation prevents them from seeking help and eliminating harassment. If you have faced act(s) of sexual violence in Forsyth or elsewhere, please feel free to share your experience through this anonymous form. No student should have to worry about sexual assault at school–or ever. 

Title IX applies to schools, universities, and other educational institutions, requiring them to create procedures for any student facing harassment and demanding teaching protocol for all staff. Additionally, staff must inform students who (and where) their Title IX coordinator is in every school in a given county. A Title IX coordinator's responsibilities include implementing the code of conduct and directing students to access resources. Furthermore, the school must investigate every allegation of sexual harassment to set a clear precedent for a zero-tolerance policy. All student reporting must be confidential to anyone else, including parents.

Stigma and lack of resources and education in counties like Forsyth often lead perpetrators of repeated sexual harassment to be released without any consequences. It should never be the case that students’ lack of access to educational materials and anti-harassment resources prevents them from seeking justice and assistance from trusted adults. By supporting this petition, you will play a crucial role in implementing a comprehensive sexual harassment curriculum in Forsyth County, creating a safer learning environment for students of all genders.