Dear John,

I hear far too many stories of girls who experience sexual harassment or violence at school and then are dismissed, devalued, or disciplined for coming forward. Next week, you’ll have a chance to take real action toward making it stop. 

Keep an eye out for our alerts about the Gender Equity in Education Act.

Just this month I learned that a girl in Memphis was expelled from her high school after being assaulted. When she was allowed to return, students harassed her – and school officials just told her, “Hopefully, that will fade over time.” Sexual harassment and violence is so pervasive in our culture that some believe it’s an inevitable part of growing up for girls.

I refuse to accept this, and I know you do too. 

Since the #GirlsToo movement began last October, tens of thousands of you have made a personal commitment to create a society where girls can grow up safe, respected and valued. Thank you.

Monday kicks off the #GirlsToo Week of Action, which leads up to International Day of the Girl on Oct. 11. You’ll get to hear directly from girls who are challenging the status quo and working to make change in their schools and communities. 

Throughout the week, you will have the chance to push for policy change to support girls everywhere. 

We know it’s not up to girls to fix this problem. We must advocate with them and for them, using our collective power to amplify theirs.   

Let’s mobilize and take action next week with and for girls. 

Sincerely, 

Lara Kaufmann
Girls Inc. Director of Public Policy