Students walk out, protestors slam high school over bullying of rape victims

 By 
Katie Sola
 on 
Students walk out, protestors slam high school over bullying of rape victims
Students and parents hold signs during a protest across the street from Norman High School in Norman, Okla., Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. Credit: Sue Ogrocki

Update Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. ET: Cleveland County authorities arrested Tristen Kole Killman-Hardin, 18, and charged with him two counts of first degree rape. His bond was set at $250,000.

Tristen Kole Killman-Hardin, 18, accused of serial rape in Norman ... Mug shot via Cleveland County jail. pic.twitter.com/ci4Hrs92Wg— Andrew Knittle (@AndrewKnittle) December 2, 2014

Original story: Up to 1,000 demonstrators massed outside the high school in the town of Norman, Oklahoma, on Monday, protesting what they said was the school's failure to protect three teenage rape victims from bullying.

They were joined when Norman High School students staged a walkout at 9:20 am, many armed with an official excuse to miss school from their parents, the The Oklahoman reported.

The assembled protestors met them with cheers. The crowd chanted “No justice, no class” and “No more bullying,” through bullhorns. “It’s an amazing thing,” NHS student Jennifer Mason told The Oklahoman. “It feels good to see this many supporters behind this tragedy."

On Friday, Jezebel broke a harrowing story about the Oklahoma high school. Three teenage girls allege they were raped by a fellow student and bullied at school afterwards, to the point where they had to leave school.

The boy allegedly passed a video of himself raping one of the girls around the school, and all three victims were subjected to what Jezebel called "a campaign of harassment, intimidation and silencing."

Administrators expelled the boy, but they failed to punish the bullies beyond a three-day suspension. Fearing for their safety, the three girls are no longer attending NHS.

The Jezebel story sparked outrage and brought national attention to the town. A "feminist knitting circle" that alerted Jezebel to the story has formed a Facebook group called YES ALL Daughters to support the victims.

On Monday, they submitted a list of demands to Norman High School Principal Scott Beck, urging him to request a police investigation and revamp its bullying and harassment policies.

Support for the protest was widespread on Twitter:

These strong and intelligent young women give me hope for the future of the human race. #YesAllDaughters pic.twitter.com/3KfGXtQUut— Rachel Irick (@RachIrick) November 24, 2014

Hundreds of Norman High students chanting "Transfer is not the answer" and "no more bullying" #YesAllDaughters pic.twitter.com/d8CCwq8vtd— Bijan Hosseini (@BijanHosseini) November 24, 2014

Organizers with #YESALLDAUGHTERS say the lives of these 3 girls have been put on hold. @OKCFOX #LiveOnOKCFOX pic.twitter.com/zuKRH3Godi— Danielle Dunn (@DanielleDunnOKC) November 24, 2014

THIS. #yesalldaughters pic.twitter.com/VSr27I3Goj— tofurkey matilda (@matildathewitch) November 24, 2014

#YesAllDaughters COME OUT TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AT NHS #SOLIDARITY pic.twitter.com/JY3smuTssn— Annie Oakley (@TheAnnieOakley) November 24, 2014

Pictures from the protest at Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma today. #YesALLDaughters @Jezebel @thinkprogress pic.twitter.com/TCGwWVI4pY— little spark (@stovetopss) November 24, 2014

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!