Like many schools, Kanesville Elementary holds a Valentine's Day dance every February — but it is probably the only school that
forbids girls from saying "no" when asked to dance.
This disturbing rule teaches children a very confusing message about consent, which is why we're asking Kanesville Elementary to end this policy now.Weber School District confirmed that this was in fact a rule, saying that its purpose is to teach inclusivity and "promote kindness." While schools should absolutely teach kids about inclusivity and kindness, forcing kids to say yes to a dance is not the way to do it.
1 out of 6 American women and 1 out of 33 American men will be the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, according to the anti-sexual violence organization RAINN. These cases hardly ever make the evening news, and most perpetrators walk away free. Out of every 1,000 rapes that occur,
only 6 rapists will end up incarcerated.
In order to combat these horrifying statistics,
we need to instill an awareness in our children of consent, what it means to respect boundaries, and that violating someone's boundaries has serious consequences — physical, emotional, mental and societal. Part of establishing those boundaries is the ability to say "no" and be heard.
Please sign this petition demanding that Kanesville Elementary School change its policy and let kids say "no."