On Thursday afternoon, roughly 50 students from New Haven and Hamden high schools, along with Yale participants and members of the New Haven Socialist Alternative, left their classrooms and gathered on the New Haven Green. Their purpose: to speak out against sexual violence and to press school officials for more decisive action.
Personal Stories Drive the Protest
Several students stepped up to the bullhorn, recounting multiple instances of sexual assault. One student said, “It happened to me multiple times,” while another added, “She said it was my fault when I reported it.” A third shared, “I have been assaulted several times,” before pausing for breath. The crowd responded with repeated affirmations: “It’s OK… You’re good… You’re good…”.
Specific Cases Highlighted
Protesters referenced the recent arrest of Hillhouse Assistant Principal Daniel Bonet on rape allegations and the indictment of a 40‑year‑old Sound School teacher accused of an inappropriate relationship with a student. Hillhouse student Skylar expressed frustration, saying the school does not allow discussion of the incident and that adults often try to end the conversation. Sound School sophomores Ava Leigh and Margie Burnham echoed the sentiment, noting a silence that seemed aimed at protecting the accused rather than supporting victims.
Calls for Policy Changes
Students demanded more thorough background checks for teachers and urged the district to communicate with families earlier, rather than waiting until an arrest occurs. They also advocated for a stronger health‑education curriculum that addresses consent and sexual misconduct directly, emphasizing that consent must be enthusiastic and that victims should not be taught to avoid assault.
First Amendment Concerns
According to a trio of Hamden High students, administrators threatened disciplinary action for participating in the walkout. Hamden student Mimi reported that the school tried to pull students back and handed out suspensions. Her friend Denniva asserted, “That’s our First Amendment right!” and shared her own experience of sexual assault, encouraging others to speak their truth.
School District Response
New Haven Public Schools spokesperson Justin Harmon acknowledged the importance of the students’ voices, stating that the district sends experienced counselors to schools after such incidents and encourages open conversation. He noted, “We can’t talk about individual employees’ disciplinary records, but we can talk about how students feel and encourage those kinds of conversations.”
Community Resources
Students and community members were reminded that anyone affected by sexual assault can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800‑656‑HOPE (4673), visit RAINN.org/hotline, or text “HOPE” to 64673 for support.
Looking Ahead
The walkout marked many participants’ first protest experience. As the crowd dispersed, Sound School sophomore Bennick, who helped emcee the event, said, “I’ve never been this loud.” The students hope their actions will prompt lasting changes in school policy, stronger support for survivors, and a reaffirmation of their constitutional rights to speak out.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
