Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive, vanished in South London on March 3. She went missing after leaving a friend’s house near Clapham Common to walk home. Wayne Couzens, a member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Unit of the Metropolitan Police, was detained on March 9, on suspicion of Everard’s abduction and  murder. Her remains were found 500 miles away on March 10. Two days later, Couzens was charged with the kidnapping and manslaughter of Everard. 

“Hearing about this story was really scary, especially because of the preconceived fear that women have to face every day. Seeing this happening all the time needs to stop, and this tragic death can hopefully allow for conversations that can benefit the situation,” freshman Makena Gong said. 

Law enforcement put out a statement telling women to say home past dark in order to protect themselves. And following a vigil held in Everard’s honor, police arrested women for violating COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, escalating the worldwide outrage over her tragic death. Although the vigil had been officially canceled, around 1,000 people showed up.

The handling of the situation raised a question for many women, including students at Miramonte. Following the unwanted responses, many women utilized social media to spread and create a movement to raise awareness for sexual harassment and assualt. According to a poll on The Mirador Instagram, 71 percent of students have heard about Everard’s case and had discussions regarding sexual harassment following it.  “I’ve seen, and heard a lot of people talking about Sarah Everard, sexual harassment, and abuse, espeicially after the large social meida coverage on it. I’m glad that people are starting to have this talk and raise awareness about these awful things,” junior Annaluna Giachic said. Miramonte encouraged those who wanted to honor and support Everard, and victims of sexual harassment to wear green to school on March 23, and 24. 

Students relay their concerns regarding Everard’s case. “I find it really frightening what happened to Sarah Everard, and it’s a scary thought to have in the back of your mind; however, it has raised an important discussion that needs to be had in order to create change,” junior Alex Bardsley said. The widespread coverage and movement creates a time for discussion about sexual harassment that women and men face.