Hundreds of students walk out of Oak Park and River Forest H.S. amid concerns about sexual violence

OAK PARK, Ill. (CBS) -- Hundreds of students walked out of Oak Park and River Forest High School on Friday afternoon amid concerns about sexual harassment and assault.

In a letter to students, staff, and families, OPRF Assistant Supt. and Principal Lynda Parker wrote this week was the first biannual Physical Education self-review for seniors, which included discussions about consent, empathy, sexual assault, and fighting rape culture.

This included a presentation by Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and the founder of Set The Expectation, who asked students to pledge to interrupt sexual violence.

During the presentation, some students were heard "making inappropriate and offensive comments about the topic," Parker wrote. This was made worse when a social media post appeared to make light of sexual violence, she wrote.

As a result, members of Students Advocating for Equity organized a protest and walkout on Friday.

"I want to be very clear that as a school community, we hear and understand the reasons behind the rally and walkout. Both sexual violence and making light of it are reprehensible and unacceptable," Parker wrote. "I and other administrators will be working with students to discuss how we can work together to increase the awareness of sexual and interpersonal violence and how to prevent it. All students deserve a safe, affirmative learning environment, and we are committed to ensuring that for everyone in our school community. Have a wonderful weekend."

There have also been concerns about fights at the school, but sources said this is a separate issue from what prompted the walkout.

All-out brawls have been captured on video more than once in the halls of Oak Park and River Forrest High School. The school board held a meeting Thursday night to address the fights and brawls.