Students at Villa Maria high school are very upset with Montreal Police for comments made about their school uniform.
Several students claim two police officers working in the metro station said the girls were to blame for wearing short skirts that encouraged sexual harassment.
Michaela Fleming said that as a girl she has often been subject to catcalling on the way to and from school.
"Ever since I was a young teenager, I have been fetishized in my uniform," said Fleming.
But last week it took a different turn when a metro police officer approached her and said her clothing was inappropriate.
"She turned to other Villa girls next to me and said 'Of course you can expect to be harassed" or cat-called or whatever. I tried questioning her about it.. 'Do you really think in 2016 a woman should be blamed for the way she dresses when she gets harassed?
"She said you're creating an image of provocativeness for yourself, and that;s what really got me," said Fleming.
Montreal police have not yet spoken to the officer involved, but the head of the metro division said it is likely a misunderstanding.
"We don't tell people what ot wear, in what manner. It is not our goal," said Carole Lalonde.
The incident occurred last week, while police officers were at metro stations through the public transit network as part of an awareness blitz.
Sexual crimes in the metro system have increased in the past three years with assailants fondling victims, or using smartphones to take pictures up the skirts of girls and women.
Police want metro users to come forward and to denounce the sexual aggressors on the spot.
"For the witnesses to have a social reaction. Not to intervene physicially, but to denounce and to take a stand against indecent behaviour," said Lalonde.
Michaela and Meghan Couture said that message was undone by the actions of one female police officer.
"It's a great message to say protect yourself, but they could have done it in a different manner," said Couture.
