When it comes to consent, we all need to go back to school
This article was originally published on the Huffington Post.
Well, back-to-school season is in full swing—time for new backpacks, the latest tablet, and trips to IKEA to furnish the dorm room.
It’s also time to talk about sexual consent.
At college and university frosh weeks across Canada, presentations on conversations about consent and rape culture are increasingly being added to the usual picnics, movie nights, and pop up cafes. Some universities have worked with local women’s organizations to create brilliant educational campaigns, like this one at McMaster. At its Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse, Yukon College made informed consent the centerpiece of its entire orientation week. And it seems some post-secondary institutions will do just about anything to get the kids interested—in Halifax, Mount Saint Vincent University followed its discussion about consent with a round of sex toy bingo.
There are hundreds of people in the room, but you can hear a pin drop. There are standing ovations. There are tears of sorrow and joy. 
What do haircuts, fries with gravy, and heavy metal bands have to do with consent? Everything.
Do you ever worry your daughter spends too much time texting friends? Maybe you wish she would spend more time with the family or take up a new hobby or sport.
