Students demand SFUSD reforms for improved support against sexual assault and harassment

The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors convened on July 4, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding sexual harassment and violence in schools, particularly within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The meeting featured testimonies from students, educators, and community advocates who highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure student safety and support for survivors.

The session began with students from the Students Against Sexual Harassment and Violence (SASHV) club, who expressed their concerns about the lack of resources available for survivors in SFUSD schools. They reported that many students feel unsafe and uncomfortable seeking help, citing inadequate support systems such as counseling and reporting mechanisms. One student emphasized the need for funding to provide specialized therapists and to create a more effective reporting system that prioritizes the safety of survivors.

Dylan Senesee, a junior at Mission High School, shared personal experiences of students feeling unheard by school administration when reporting incidents of sexual assault. He called for changes to Title IX legislation to streamline the reporting process and protect survivors' anonymity. Another student, Sonia Delarius Moran, echoed these sentiments, stating that many students do not feel confident reporting incidents due to a perceived lack of support from the administration.

Several students recounted their own traumatic experiences, illustrating the pervasive nature of sexual violence in schools. They called for immediate action to remove alleged abusers from classes and programs, emphasizing that the healing process for survivors should take precedence over the rehabilitation of offenders. The testimonies underscored a collective demand for better mental health resources and comprehensive education on consent and healthy relationships.

Community members, including parents and educators, also voiced their concerns. Karen Fleshman, a candidate for the board of education, highlighted the need for a cultural shift within SFUSD to ensure that all adults in the system are trained to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. Emily Wynn, a youth commissioner, pointed out the bureaucratic failures in the district attorney's office and police department regarding the handling of sexual assault cases, urging for timely investigations and support for survivors.

The meeting concluded with a call for concrete actions, including increased funding for mental health services, improved health education curricula, and the establishment of a task force to address sexual violence in schools. The testimonies and discussions reflected a growing urgency among students and community members for systemic reform to create safer educational environments in San Francisco. The board's response to these demands will be closely watched as the community seeks meaningful change.