Feminism matters in school

Feminism matters in the school environment because it’s important that young girls feel safe and welcomed. School is meant to be a safe space for kids, but often times many girls don’t feel like they’re being respected in school environments.

“I’ve been called a skank and slut multiple times and told I was being complimented,” sophomore Shelby Lockley said.

A 2010 study by youGov for the End Violence Against Women Coalition found that 71 percent of 16- to 18-year-olds hear sexist slurs like “slut” and “whore” used towards girls at school on a daily basis or a few times a week.

“Many girls I know have been bullied, harassed,” senior Jomar Rivera said. “I encourage young girls to take a stand and voice their concerns so people can help.”

According to a report released by the American Association of University Women, girls were more likely to experience harassment (broadly defined as unwelcome sexual behavior) either in person or electronically. Fifty-six percent of girls said they were sexually harassed at least once in the past school year.

“I do believe that sometimes Lakeview is a sexist environment, mainly because of how young ladies are being treated,” history teacher Paul Ranta said. “I see young boys groping ladies, and using foul language, which shouldn’t be taking place.”

When teachers see these things happening, what should happen? Teachers should start by holding young boys responsible for their actions. We should start teaching boys from an early age what things are acceptable and aren’t.

“Lakeview doesn’t create a sexist environment – institutional establishment creates a sexist environment all on its own,” sociology teacher Wendy Jackson said. “Institutions are created by culture, which is the origin on sexist concepts and beliefs. So, while I may believe that sexism occurs in campus, I do not however think Lakeview creates the environment.”

Sexism is taught. It’s embedded. In 2013, The Guardian highlighted a survey by Girlguiding UK, a girl’s youth organization that aimed to show just how prevalent sexism is. Seventy-five percent of girls aged 11-21 say sexism affects their confidence and future aspirations.

When faced with problems, there are always solutions. Being aware of problems and actually finding solutions to said problems are two different things. ‘How can we solve sexist behavior occurring in school’ seems to the question of the day.

“Teach students what sexism is and allow them to present ways to counter issues successfully,” Jackson said.  

Teachers at Lakeview agree that the solution is to educate students on the solution, teaching students to take a stand and voice their concerns.

“The solution would be to spread the word amongst ladies that they need to take a stand and say ‘I deserve better’ when boys are mistreating them,” Ranta said. “Putting ownership of responsibility among young boys.”