Student-Led Sexual Harassment, Assault Forum Held Oct. 13

SILVER SPRING, MD — Montgomery County Public Schools is holding an online town hall meeting on Tuesday to discuss students' concerns about sexual harassment and assault.

The student-led forum — called "Let's Talk Respect: Preventing Sexual Harassment and Assault" — will start at 6 p.m. It's sponsored by the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office, Montgomery County Police Department, Victim Assistance Sexual Assault Program, Choose Respect Montgomery, Coaching Boys Into Men, EveryMind and Identity.

"Let's Take Response" comes after the school district said it was investigating allegations of sexual harassment and assault made by students and alumni online. Their claims were posted on anonymous Instagram accounts, like @survivorsatwootton, and detailed instances ranging from lewd comments to inappropriate touching.

According to MCPS, the goal of Tuesday's forum is to:

• Acknowledge the student stories shared on social media
• Share MCPS response and updates (immediate, short-term, and long-term actions)
• Provide an anonymous, safe space for students to ask questions of the panelists
• Collect student feedback on ways to better support students who are victimized by sexual assault and harassment
• Connect students and families to appropriate resources

For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/RespectRSVP.