He said. She said. Just a kid. Toxic masculinity. So long ago. This has to stop. Help.

Parties are a given in high schools and colleges nationwide. An institution, if you will. And with Christine Blassey Ford’s recent allegations of sexual assault against Republican Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh dominating our Twitter feeds, the atmosphere and very existence of these parties lies under heavy scrutiny from parents, politicians, and the nation. 

We are at the heart of it–a small Midwestern High School. 

But, before considering the political and social complexities of the situation, let me ask you this: Why would any of you write down the date that you decide to sneak out of your home to stand in a room full of hormone-infused teenagers, on your calendar, and therefore reveal to your parents their worst nightmare? You wouldn’t! PRESENTING A CALENDAR THAT LACKS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF A PARTY YOU ARE ACCUSED OF ATTENDING MEANS NOTHING. Enough said.

But, yes, we matter here–Novi High School. Because the question that inevitably remains once the firing accusations of each political party using this new development to conspire against the other are cleared, is what ideas, what tone among high schoolers and university students, allows for a widespread atmosphere of sexual harassment, at such a young age. 

So, bear with me here.

First, consider the possibility that people in high positions of government accused of sexual assault or harassment are thoroughly investigated and justly sentenced. I know, diabolical right?

Then, let’s just toy with the notion that just maybe, a guy being seventeen at an esteemed American prep school when the accusation in question occurred, does not justify or erase his actions.

That being in high school doesn’t mean attempting to rape a girl at a party is all right. 

Where does this leave us?

We, a hodgepodge of some 2000 teenagers of all different sizes, colors, and shapes, have to pause, take a step back, and look around us.

Let’s face it, teenagers, our generation in particular, have a bad rep. But what we can do is show others that we care. We care about fixing this horrifying culture where sexual harassment is not only ignored or hidden, but a common facet of life.

I am a girl. A girl who maybe isn’t exactly at the center of the party scene or cheering at the sidelines of a football game or standing atop a homecoming float. But just like hundreds of others in this school, and millions nationwide, this affects me. This affects us.

And solving the problem, not to mention showing up haters on Capitol Hill and elsewhere, can begin with us too. 

So let’s rage for a new age.