After teacher’s arrest, frustrated Tri-City students walkout over sexual assault awareness
About 130 students at Chiawana High School staged a walkout Wednesday morning to bring awareness to sexual assault and a need for education in the Pasco School District.
Students gathered in front of the building — chanted, held signs and shared stories — for about two hours.
Anna Tensmeyer, a district spokesperson, said there was no disruption to school operations.
The walkout came shortly after a Chiawana photography teacher was arrested for allegedly taking nude photos of a 16-year-old student during a senior photo shoot.
Chiawana student Serena Robledo, in an email sent to the Herald before the protest, said it’s concerning the school has done “little to nothing” to spread awareness of sexual assault issues.
Discussions about making April Sexual Assault Awareness month fell short, and students feel they aren’t being heard, Robledo said.
District officials said in a statement: “Staff at all Pasco schools are committed to providing safe and supportive opportunities for discussions and ensuring students have access to resources available throughout the community. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is Pasco School District’s highest priority.”
Pasco students can report any safety concerns online or contact their school’s Title IX officer.
This story was originally published April 28, 2022 at 12:04 PM.
