RVS responds to Bert Church High School walkout over consent education

RVS has responded to a request for comment from Discover Airdrie regarding the teaching of consent within sexual education. 

"In terms of teaching and resources, teachers are required to follow the curriculum set out by Alberta Education. The resources they use to teach subjects and topics can differ by the teacher. Concerns about instruction within a class should be brought by the parent/guardian and/or student to the teacher or to the administration. We encourage ongoing dialogue between our families and staff so that we can offer the best support possible to our students," the statement read.

Discover Airdrie also queried RVS about allegations a student had made during the walkout that there had been instances of inappropriate behaviour towards students by their peers, which partly spurred them wanting to organize a walkout to address issues of sexual education and consent. 

"I had a situation myself where students were making inappropriate comments about rape," a student told Discover Airdrie when interviewed during the walkout. "The comments were jokes about rape." 

RVS stated that "All RVS students are required to follow administrative procedure AP350 Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct describes acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, what is considered when responding to unacceptable behaviour and possible consequences. We encourage any student experiencing or witnessing unacceptable behaviour of another student to inform a staff member they feel comfortable with who will inform the school administration. The administration investigates and determines the appropriate next steps."

According to RVS, when criminal actions are involved, these matters are brought to the attention of local authorities and RVS cooperates with their investigation.

"Students impacted by any form of inappropriate comments or actions are encouraged to access supports that are available to them at both the school and system levels."

On Thursday, April 7th, students from Bert Church High School in Airdrie poured out of their classrooms and out in front of the school to stage what organizers called a “Walkout for Consent”.  

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