Norman High School students outline demands before planned walkout protest for bullied rape victims

NORMAN — Shortly after classes ended Thursday at Norman High School, sophomore Danielle Brown addressed the media to deliver a clear message to her school’s administration.

“On Monday, Nov. 24, at 9:20 a.m. we will walk out of school to protest the treatment by the Norman High administration of multiple known rape victims, who were physically threatened, harassed, and bullied out of our school,” Brown said in a quiet but steady voice as she read from a statement across the street from the school.

In a letter sent to parents Tuesday, Principal Scott Beck said administrators will allow students to participate in a peaceful demonstration Monday. The letter acknowledged one alleged rape in September that took place off-campus. Beck also rebutted comments and allegations made on social media about the school’s handling of the incident.

A small group of students began a media campaign shortly after the assault, including Facebook and Twitter accounts called “YES ALL Daughters.” In all, the group claims three female students have been raped by the same male student and that all three were so severely bullied that they are unable to return to school.

The student accused of the assaults will not be attending school for the rest of the year, a Norman Public Schools spokeswoman said. The Norman Police Department said it is investigating at least one assault.

Brown, said the group plans to present Beck with demands Monday and ask that their fellow students quietly exit and stand silently with them to honor the victims.

“They’re struggling. They’re having a really tough time,” Brown said of the three girls. “They want to come to school. They can’t.”

Brown’s aunt, Stacey Wright, said the bullying was vicious.

“One of the girls, the very first day that she came back to school didn’t make it in the front doors before she was (verbally) attacked by a mob of students who bullied her before she could get in the front door,” Wright said. “After she was brave enough to come back after being raped.”

The school failed to protect the girls, Wright said, and the group would like to see anti-bullying education and a victim’s advocate available when necessary.

Shelly Hickman, a school system spokeswoman, said they would never punish a student for being the victim of a crime. Dozens of students are expected to walk out Monday.