Select a region
The head teachers of JCG and Victoria College have taken the unusual step of writing a joint letter to all parents committing to a "zero tolerance" approach to "any language and behaviour that is sexist, misogynistic, demeaning or offensive."
The letter, which will have been read by parents of students at both schools over the Easter break, says that teachers will be on duty in "shared spaces" between the two Colleges to oversee appropriate behaviour between students.
It is signed by JCG Principal Carl Howarth and Victoria College Headmaster Alun Watkins and follows widespread national media coverage following the death of Sarah Everard, and allegations in UK schools about the treatment of female students, and that some schools have failed to listen to them, and act effectively.
The two headteachers say: "Our two Colleges have also seen a period of enormous bravery, reflection and discussion, and it is clear that we must take action.
"The Leadership Teams of both Colleges have been listening carefully to our students recounting their experiences, whether they be within the classroom, walking through the school sites, on school buses, at parties or online. The stories and testimonies have been difficult to hear but there is an acknowledgement that we must address these issues together. In partnership we are committed to leading positive change within our Colleges and building inclusive and respectful communities where all feel safe."
CLICK TO ENLARGE: The letter to parents.
The letter says that senior students from both schools will "form a working party to produce a shared statement of values about what a culture of respect looks and sounds like."
It also commits to reviewing the PSHE curriculum, making sure more teachers are policing shared areas between the schools and organising a presentation from the Police and Dewberry House on sexual harassment and the options for support.
"Let us be clear that any language and behaviour that is sexist, misogynistic, demeaning or offensive is unacceptable and wrong. Both Colleges commit to a zero-tolerance stance. We must call out when we see or hear such language and behaviour, and not leave it alone. We also recognise that bringing about any positive and lasting cultural change that we all wish to see will require careful planning and a long-term commitment to involve our wider school communities – parents, staff and students. This is the first step towards a shared and common set of principles that we will embed throughout our two schools and which we will share with you. Our students will tell us when we get it right and we are guided by them."
The letter comes after numerous islanders shared their experiences of sexual harassment and feeling unsafe while walking home at night in Jersey.
Express is looking to hear from as wide a range of islanders as possible – whether they have experience of feeling unsafe and sexual harassment or not. Once you have finished the survey, please share it with friends and family.
Create your own user feedback survey
The survey is being supported by Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR), a charity which supports islanders that have suffered a sexual assault or rape.
“Jersey Action Against Rape welcomes the Bailiwick Express survey, which follows a series of articles on the subject of sexual harassment," Manager Jayne Gruchy said.
"Recent events have opened up important conversations about sexual harassment and women’s feelings of safety. We believe it’s useful to gauge how people feel about their safety in the island and what could be done to help them feel safer.
"JAAR will be interested to see the results. We are here to support any islander affected by sexual assault and sexual harassment.”
"It's almost a part of life, it's shocking" - Women's experiences of sexual harassment
"I would not dream of walking home in high heels" - What women do to make themselves feel safe
If you have been sexually assaulted or experienced sexual harassment, you can contact:
Dewberry House (Sexual Assault Referral Centre), 6 Plaisance Terrace, La Route Du Fort. Email: dewberryhouse@gov.je Telephone: 01534 888222
Jersey Action Against Rape Email: help@jaar.je Confidential helpline: 01534 482800
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) (Specialist advisors providing tailored support to victims and survivors of sexual violence) Telephone: 01534 880505
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.