Students protesting sexual harassment were turned away by the boys’ school police

Around 100 Christchurch Girls ‘High School students who were leading a sexual harassment protest were turned away by the police and their principal en route to their goal: Christchurch Boys’ High.

Students began a protest during Thursday’s lunch break.

It follows a social media brawl this week when chalk graffiti highlighting LGBTQIA + rights, feminism and sexual harassment appeared on the walls and sidewalks of Christchurch Boys’ High on Monday.

Things understands that the graffiti was posted by Christchurch Girls’ High students.

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Since then, Instagram accounts linked to school students have been trading quills.

A student linked to Christchurch Girls ‘High posted for students who were victims of sexual assault by students at the boys’ school to come forward.

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An account using CBHS initials created in response had the caption: “This account refers to the allegations without evidence. Nobody cares about his false accusations. “

He used hashtags like “feminismiscancer” and “mensrightsactivist.”

On Thursday, protesting students carried banners with slogans such as “our bodies are not the talking points”, “my abuser has a second chance”, “no more excuses, dismantle the culture of rape” and “boys will be boys “, with crossed boys. out and “responsible” written in its place.

Police were called to the school as students took to the streets to head to Christchurch Boys’ High.

They were followed by a police car, but were stopped when a second police car arrived about 100 meters down the road. Principal Christine O’Neill had also gotten into her car to detain the students.

O’Neill said that she had heard about the protest, but that issues related to gender-based violence had been raised in the past week.

“It was very important to encourage students to talk about it, and it is not helpful to point out individual boys’ schools. It is important to address global systemic problems. “

Police were called in as a precautionary measure, so that they would not have outside visitors in sight.

She did not tolerate the group of students who left the site.

“My concern is primarily for their safety: that they return to school where they should be and that they understand that there are appropriate and constructive ways to achieve social change.

“That they learn that because they are young.”

He said that there were adequate avenues within the school for students to express themselves, but that they could always keep working on it.

Police youth and community relations manager Phil Newton said the students were detained “due to traffic and safety problems.”

They were a short distance from the school when they were asked to return.

A Christchurch Girls’ High parent, who wanted to remain anonymous, said it was “sad” and “disappointing” that students were silenced.

It was important that their voices were not suppressed, he said.

“It would be nice if they were allowed to have their freedom of expression.”

Christchurch Boys’ High Principal Nic Hill said he was aware of the protest.

“I have no comment to make on this, other than that the two schools are working very closely with our students on these issues,” he said.

The chalked statements Monday were also directed at Hill, claiming he “protects the bullies” and telling him to “control his boys.”

Tabby Besley, CEO of InsideOut, a national organization that helps improve the safety of Rainbow youth, said the graffiti was a “clear cry of support” from those students.