A group of students were seen protesting Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, on the steps of Mount Boucherie Secondary in West Kelowna, claiming the school has done little to create a safe space amid sexual assault allegations.
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February 14, 2022 - 3:30 PM
A group of students were seen protesting this morning on the steps of Mount Boucherie Secondary, claiming the school has done little to create a safe space amid sexual assault allegations.
The protest was reported at roughly 10:30 a.m., Feb. 14, and students were seen waving signs that said, “Why is his future more important than our safety?” Videos of the protest show students inside the school chanting “What do we want? Safe schools. When do we want them? Now,” and outside of the school’s office they shouted, “Say it once, say it again, no excuse for violent men.”
Tammy Lobb, media relations officer with the Kelowna RCMP, said the student protest was in regard to an ongoing sexual assault investigation.
"West Kelowna RCMP officers responded to the school today after receiving a call for assistance from the school. The West Kelowna RCMP continues to work closely with the school," she said, via an emailed statement.
As the matter is before the courts, the RCMP will not comment further on the protest, Lobb said, and encourages students to contact the school board or RCMP if they have any concerns.
School district No. 23 superintendent Kevin Kaardal said he couldn’t say much about the matter because the situation involves minors, but did offer a statement.
Kaardal said Central Okanagan school district does not tolerate any form of sexual violence and takes allegations seriously.
“The district follows internal protocols that were developed alongside the Elizabeth Fry Society and the RCMP to ensure the safety and privacy of all minors involved,” he said in the statement. “School administrators reached out to the students involved in the protest to make sure their concerns are heard and that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.”
Kaardal said he can’t comment on the reason for the protest as it would breach privacy policies for all individuals involved.
— This story was updated at 3:34 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, to include additional comment from RCMP.
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