Homewood Flossmoor High School students drop out of school amid sexual harassment allegations

FLOSSMUR, Illinois. (BLS) — Students at a high school in the southern suburbs walked out of class on Thursday after allegedly sexually assaulting a classmate.

Homewood-Flossmoor High School students came out in waves, starting shortly after 1:00 pm and continuing through the rest of the day until the school vacated at 3:00 pm.

At some point, the police closed part of Keji to give students time and space to express themselves.

The strike was held to protest the way the school administration had responded to an alleged sexual assault alleged to have taken place during a drama class early Monday morning.

“Last year we had the same incident and they didn’t handle the situation at all. Same, we left. It seems to me that we are leaving, but they do not hear us at all, ”said Arianna Wright. student

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The students said they feel they must now change the culture within the school and its leadership.

“I just finished a meeting with the principal where we discussed the decisions and the next steps,” said Student Ambassador Aaron McIntyre. “We had the same conversations with the administration last year, and as we see, nothing was accepted. So now we have to make sure it happens this year.”

Despite initially being told they would not be allowed to leave the school grounds during the strike, the students were eventually allowed to cross the street where some of their parents were waiting in support.

“It was sexual assault, something not to be played with. It could have been my daughter. Easily. The administration needs to be more transparent,” parent Cory Burgess said.

The mother of the allegedly attacked student also attended the protest. She asked Jennifer Doe to come with her to protect her daughter’s identity.

“The students organized it, and I just showed up. It shows how big of a problem it is,” she said.

On Thursday morning, the school district sent out a letter that read, in part: “We value the voice of students. In an open forum on Tuesday after school, we expressed to students the importance of their voice and participation in seeking their feedback in order to plan the move. forward as a school and community. A second opportunity for open dialogue with students and administration is planned in the near future.”

So far, no one has been arrested in connection with Monday’s allegations. Investigators only say that while the underage boy was given under the care of his father, as the investigation continues.

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