Sexual Harassment Prevalent in Grades 7-12
A new study conducted by the American Association of University Women found that during the 2010-11 school year, 48 percent of students in grades 7-12 experienced some form of sexual harassment in person or electronically via texting, email and social media. In their report on the study entitled "Crossing the Line," one ninth-grade girl was quoted as saying she was called a whore "because I have many friends that are boys." A 12th-grade boy said schoolmates circulated an image showing his face attached to an animal having sex.
This report highlights the need for organizations such as Girls for Gender Equity who have made it their mission to combat sexual harassment, discrimination, and violence. The AAUW calls their strategy of training youth leaders to raise awareness and educate their peers a "Promising Practice," noting that GGE "demonstrates a promising model of how community groups can work to address sexual harassment in local schools. GGE engages in many girl-centered empowerment programs, including addressing sexual harassment both in schools and on the streets." Congratulations to GGE for being recognized for their innovative programming!
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