Vernon school board passes new policies on sexual violence, racism and discrimination

“My hope is that with the recent approval of the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy, our students recognize that not only does the board acknowledge their experiences but that we are committed to responding to gender-based violence in a coordinated and trauma-informed way,” Sullivan stated.

According to information provided by SD22, girls between the ages of 15-18 are the most likely victims of sexual violence. Statistics Canada has found that one in four girls have experienced sexual violence by the time they are eighteen and one in eight boys. Indigenous girls are at greater risk.

As for the anti-racism and discrimination policy, the board said it values diversity within its school communities, understanding that each individual contributes to the richness of the district’s culture.

“Racism, whether explicit or implicit, has profound adverse social consequences, including, but not limited to: discrimination, stereotyping, hatred, bullying, harassment, violence, social and emotional isolation, substance abuse, homelessness, truancy, physical and mental illness, self-harm, and suicide,” the policy stated.

The Education Board said it acknowledges its responsibility for providing an education system that is safe, welcoming, free from racism, discrimination, harassment, violence, and inclusive for all school district community members.

SD22 Board of Education passes Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy (SD 22 news release)

The SD22 Board of Education is committed to safe, supportive, and responsive school communities that address the needs of victims/survivors, and to responding, reporting, educating, and preventing sexual violence and misconduct.

While sexual violence impacts all members of society, the Board acknowledges that sexual violence operates on a societal imbalance of power and control and its consequences may disproportionately affect members of social groups who experience intersecting forms of systemic discrimination or barriers (on grounds, for example, of sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, religion, Indigenous identity, ethnicity, disability, or class).

Sexual violence and misconduct can have serious negative impacts on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness of an individual.

SD22 Board of Education Vice-Chair, Kelli Sullivan states, “Given the increasingly high rates of sexual violence against girls ages 15 to 18, I have been advocating for several years for sexual assault awareness and education in our schools. My hope is that with the recent approval of the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy, our students recognize that not only does the Board acknowledge their experiences but that we are committed to responding to gender-based violence in a coordinated and trauma-informed way.”

Background • Sexual assault is the only violent crime in Canada not on a decline.

• In terms of school aged children/youth, girls between the ages of 15-18 are the most likely victims of sexual violence. Statistics Canada has found that one in four girls have experienced sexual violence by the time they are eighteen and one in eight boys. Indigenous girls are at greater risk.

• According to self-reported data from the 2018 Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces, more than 45% of teens experienced dating violence since they turned 15. Furthermore, rates of teen dating violence have increased 33% since 2015, with similar increases for girl and boy victims. Teen dating violence continues to disproportionately affect teens who identify as sexual, or gender minorities compared to their heterosexual and cis-gender counterparts.

• In 2020 there was an 80% increase in reporting of intimate images shared without consent many of whom were youth.

• A 2022 study from the Canadian Women’s Foundation reveals that 55 per cent of people in Canada do not fully understand consent when it comes to sexual activity.

• Sexual violence has long-lasting negative outcomes including poor mental health (depression, suicide attempts), poor physical health, difficulties in the social realm, increased substance use, an increase in further victimization in adulthood). Poor responses from school personnel and systems after sexual violence will exacerbate this.

• On April 27, 2016, the Government of British Columbia introduced the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act (the Act) with the aim of making post-secondary campuses safer and more responsive to the needs of victims/survivors. And, while in the fall of 2022 MECC announced new guidance for educators and information for parents and students aim to give students a better understanding of consent and help prevent gender-based violence in B.C. schools, the Government of British Columbia has yet to expand the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act (the Act) to include school districts.

SD22 Board of Education passes Anti-racism and Discrimination Policy (SD22 news release)

SD22 Board of Education believes racism and discrimination, in all its forms, continues to be embedded in our society. Education, as a system, has been instrumental in causing significant harm to Indigenous, Black, People of Colour (IBPOC) and other marginalized groups.

The Board acknowledges and recognizes its current and historical role in perpetuating discrimination and harm against individuals based on, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, colour, ancestry, place of origin, language, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical disability or mental disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, economic status, or age.

The Board further recognizes the intersectionality and complexity of how these impact an individual’s identity. The Board values diversity within its school communities, understanding that each individual contributes to the richness of the District’s culture. Racism, whether explicit or implicit, has profound adverse social consequences, including, but not limited to: discrimination, stereotyping, hatred, bullying, harassment, violence, social and emotional isolation, substance abuse, homelessness, truancy, physical and mental illness, self-harm, and suicide. Recognizing and addressing racism in all its forms plays a crucial role in understanding that the conversation on racism, equity, and cultural diversity is always evolving and is necessary as an action towards truth and reconciliation.

The Board acknowledges the Okanagan Syilx nation as the original inhabitants and rights holders of these lands, and as such recognizes that addressing racism includes a clear understanding of oppression related to land ownership and forced displacement of Indigenous peoples. It further recognizes that practices and procedures within school district structures have contributed to inequitable outcomes and negative experiences for Indigenous students and their families.

The Board acknowledges its responsibility for providing an education system that is safe, welcoming, free from racism, discrimination, harassment, violence, and inclusive for all school district community members. The Board recognizes the inherent racism in the harmful pattern of low expectations, particularly towards IBPOC and other marginalized groups and commits to challenging and overcoming these biases.

by Pete McIntyre

Vernon school board passes new policies on sexual violence, racism and discrimination

What Matters