Focus Rape Awareness On Boys: Hinsdale D86 Official

DARIEN, IL – A Hinsdale High School District 86 board member said Thursday he wanted schools to spend more time on lessons for boys about issues such as rape awareness and consent.

Member Jeff Waters brought up the matter at Thursday's board meeting, saying he heard concerns from girls and their parents. He said girls in a Hinsdale Central physical education course spend 2½ months on such issues, but boys are only getting three days.

If anything, such lessons should focus on boys because they are usually the problem, Waters said.

"They need the training, so women don't need to spend the time on rape awareness," he said. "I would like boys not to put girls in that position."

Later this month, officials said, Hinsdale Central is planning three days of lessons for senior boys in PE classes on the same issues. The district hopes to bring such instruction to Hinsdale South boys in later years.

Officials also said all students get similar instruction during required health courses.

Central Principal Bill Walsh said rape awareness and consent is a unit of study in the Group Exercise and Self-Defense course, which is traditionally made up of all girls. He said the subject is discussed over 2½ months, but it's not the only topic during that time.

Walsh said such conversations were important to have with boys.

Notices are being sent out, so boys can opt out of the training.