By Alberto Gomez, Entertainment Editor
No.
A simple word, the first for most toddlers. A simple word that is universally understood, in most situations.
So why is it so difficult for so many Americans to understand that “no” still means “no” in relation to sex?
About 321,500 Americans are raped and sexually assaulted each year, according to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network. Consider also, that many accounts of sexual assault are left unreported for a wide array of reasons: fear, a lack of desire to relive the experience, and shame. It is highly likely that thousands more victims remain silent.
Here at Indian Trail High School & Academy, the health education teachers are trying their hardest to educate students on the concept of “no” and the vitality of consent as a whole.
Consent is defined as “permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.” As an introduction to the topic of consent, Aaron Boyd, one of IT’s Health teachers, provides a nice and simple comparison.
Tea.
Rather than use the sensitive word, sex, Boyd opts to simplify the idea of consent to students by comparing unwarranted sex to tea. Easily put, Boyd explains with a Youtube video, titled “Tea Consent,” that suggests a person wouldn’t shove tea down another person’s throat, in ANY situation. So why forcibly engage in sex?
At another point in IT’s sex education unit, the power of no is explained as one of the most powerful tools that sexual participants possess.
“Just because someone said yes once doesn’t mean they will say yes every time.”
Boyd explains to his students that consent is needed every time partners decide to become intimate: One “yes” does not translate to eternal consent. Legally, if consent is not given consciously, then the act can be deemed rape, a possible eight-year prison sentence, but that’s simply the standard. In Washington D.C. any sex engaged by physically forcing a victim, by threatening a victim, by rendering them unconscious, or by drugging them qualifies as first-degree sexual abuse, punishable up to life in prison. If the other person is incapable of giving consent or able to communicate willingness, that qualifies as second-degree sexual abuse, punishable up to 20 years in prison. The best way to prevent rape and prevent students from becoming rapists is by educating them on consent.
Consent is required in more situations than just sex, though. As much as students joke about needing consent for seemingly minor actions such as kisses, hugs, or simple forms of public displays of affection, some students and adults still do not know where the line lies.
No one wants unwarranted sexual advances of any kind. Consent is required for a kiss, no one is entitled to a smooch just because he or she received one the day before. Consent for a hug is required
Kindergarteners are taught to keep their hands to themselves, they are taught by Officer Friendly the difference between a “good” touch and a “bad” touch, and Boyd and his fellow health teachers make a sub-unit in IT’s sex education unit to reiterate to students the concept.
As “funny” as consent might be, the world is taking enormous strides to stomp out and discourage unwanted harassment, and the first step to combating it is by teaching students that “no” means no.