Norman Public Schools Addresses Sexual Violence

Norman Public Schools is addressing sexual violence. Since the beginning of the year, five Cleveland County student wrestlers have been charged with rape.

In January, two Norman wrestlers claimed they were repeatedly assaulted on a school bus returning from a tournament. Four upperclassmen are now charged with multiple counts of rape for what allegedly took place on the back of the bus.

Emotions from what the 12 year-old boy said happened to him on a school bus are still raw for him and his family. But his mother said it's time to start talking about sexual assault and how to stop it.

“I think because the details of what happened to my son were so graphic and disgusting it did, it kinda of ripped a Band-Aid off. We have to talk about this,” said the boy’s mother.

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She wants to take the taboo topic of sexual assault and put it back into conversations.

“I think a lot of people are kept in the dark. I think we all agree that we don't want sexual assault to be a big problem in our community but a lot of people don't know how they can help,” said Courtney Foster, Sexual Violence Services Coordinator.

It's why more events like Thursday night’s forum on sexual assault, hosted by the Women's Resource Center and Norman Public School, continue to happen.

Courtney Foster was one of the event's panelists.

“It is relieving to see that people are taking action and it's not just me, some crazy mom, trying to have a voice,” said the boy’s mother.

Both Foster and the boy's mother know these events are only the beginning.

“We really need to find a solution, that's the biggest thing I want. I want a solution to this problem,” said the boy’s mother.

For the first time, the Norman Schools superintendent stood up to speak publicly saying Norman has the resources to help students and parents with any issue they may face.