Parents, students at Que. high school allege incidents of sexual violence
Some parents and students at Massey-Vanier High School in Cowansville are alleging incidents of sexual violence.
The parents say they're concerned for their children's safety.
"We're here today to denounce the Eastern Townships School Board and Massey-Vanier High School-English, all the staff, from principals down to aides, for not hearing the voices of all the girls making reports of sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape and bullying," said one parent.
"Girls are reporting, nothing is being done other than taking the 'predators,' I like to call the boys that are behaving this way, into a room to talk to the girls that are being harassed," said another parent.
CTV News spoke to one student who didn't want to be on camera but said she's scared to go to school.
"There's been boys and girls who have been sexually harassed at the school (…) it's really not fair that the school is not doing anything about it," said the student.
Eastern Townships School Board President Michael Murray says they, and the police, are listening.
"We take every complaint very, very seriously," he said. "We're also collaborating with the police, who have opened a file and are conducting an investigation."
Quebec provincial police (SQ) would not comment on the investigation.
Ruba Gazal, Quebec Solidaire's education critic, says more needs to be done to protect students.
"It was important for me to be here to support the parents and children who are denouncing an unacceptable situation," she said.
Parents say it's the only school in the area, so sending their kids elsewhere is not an option.
"Nobody is getting heard from the school. We're all dismissed, just like the girls," said a parent.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.