Adelaide High School principal’s letter tells of alleged sexual harassment claims involving students
Adelaide High School has been hit by claims of alleged sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour involving students.
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Adelaide High School has been hit by claims of alleged sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour involving students.
A letter, obtained by Advertiser.com.au, was sent on Friday to parents and carers by school Principal Cezanne Green and made reference to allegations of sexual harassment involving students that were detailed on social media.
“I want to make it clear that sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour is neither acceptable nor tolerated at our school,” Ms Green said in the statement.
“We work very hard through our curriculum offerings and the use of additional wellbeing programs to create a safe and supportive environment for all students where harassment of any kind is not tolerated on any level.”
The social media posts, from a girl who identified herself as an Adelaide High student, made reference to an alleged “rape culture” within the school community.
“Today online I noticed a mass amount of individuals, majorly students from Adelaide High School, sharing stories and opinions discussing the horrific rape culture that is prevalent throughout the entirety of the Adelaide High community,” one post read.
The post also said that more needs to be done within the school community to “combat the very rape culture that corrupts within the school community”.
“In Adelaide High School corridors, classrooms, change rooms and on the oval, it almost comes naturally to some of my fellow students to objectify women,” the post said.
Ms Green’s letter said teachers were trained in responding to risks of harm, and that students were taught “consent and respectful relationships”, with a “specific focus” on sexual harassment in Years 8, 9 and 10.
The letter referred to the school’s “several mechanisms” that deal with harassment or inappropriate behaviour, including reporting allegations to police.
Support will be offered to students “affected by such incidents”, the letter added.
Parents of children affected by the alleged claims were encouraged to speak to staff.
An Education Department spokesman said police should be notified of any criminal activity within school grounds or off site.
“All allegations of criminal behaviour disclosed to schools are reported to police. Schools follow the directions of investigating officers, including in relation to preserving the integrity of any legal proceedings,” the statement said.
“Adelaide High School has robust structures in place to support reporting criminal allegations and encourages students to disclose any concerning behaviour.”
The department’s statement also said the school “places a strong emphasis on education and wellbeing programs” that promote respectful relationships.
Adelaide High has a response system in place for when events such as claims of sexual harassment occur, the statement said.
SA Police has been contacted for comment and asked if any claims of sexual harassment have been officially filed.
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