When we consider typical high school clubs like DECA and Model UN, we often overlook those that raise awareness about issues such as sexual assault. However, the Bruin Consent Coalition aims to do just that.
Bruin Consent Coalition is a chapter of the Take Back the Night Foundation, which Katie Koestner founded. This club aims to provide students with the necessary resources to heal from and bring awareness to sexual assault, dating violence, and consentless acts. The club is managed by students Senior Kimaya Kini, Junior Kelsey Ayer, Senior Daniel Kwon, Senior Nour Kreishan, Senior Grayden Robb, and Senior Giselle Yokomichi.
“We can advocate for improved school policies and provide a peer support system for those affected,” senior Daniel Kwon said.
Students at Creek can connect with peers who are equally passionate about sexual violence, providing them with the opportunity to build a strong and supportive community both within and beyond the campus.
“The connections that students can make with other students [can] spread positivity and education about sexual assault and its effects,” Kwon said.
Keogh, the teacher advisor, is a mandated reporter. This ensures a safe space for students who have been victims of sexual violence to access resources. Educating students about sexual violence provides them with the opportunity to problem-solve and raise awareness.
“The amount of kind and warm-hearted people that are in attendance and in charge to either help or support people with their stories,” Kwon said.
The mental health effects that come along with sexual assault and date rape are a very sensitive subject for many. Raising awareness about these effects is crucial for understanding the needs of survivors and providing them with the necessary support and resources
“This club has given me a chance to open my eyes up to the countless [that have] struggled with SA mentally and emotionally,” Kwon said.
After attending a speech by Katie Koestner, a group of individual students at Creek were inspired to establish a Take Back the Night Chapter (Bruin Consent Coalition). This marked the start of a series of events. In April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the club arranged a walk for victims and survivors. Additionally, many visitors come to speak with students about these important topics.
“Students here have taken [the chapter] and made it their own, and their entire purpose is to educate our community and share concerns about our community,” club sponsor and counselor Dr. Krista Keogh said.
The club has created a postcard with a QR code that links to a document containing updated organizations and counseling resources. It is important to highlight sexual violence, not only for the current generation’s well-being but also for future generations.
“We can help in the community, be preventative, and educate the community about things so it doesn’t happen down the line,” Keogh said.
The club is a crucial platform for raising awareness about an issue that holds great significance for the community, because a large amount of high school students come into contact with sexual harassment or assault.
“Sexual assault is something that many people go unheard of with so many different cases and circumstances. The club gives those people a place for their voice to be heard and how they can cope and heal with whatever happened,” Kwon said.
