Consent education and healthy relationships for Houston high schools

SafeBAE Heads to Lamar Texas Consolidated High School

On November 6th, SafeBAE’s Executive Director, Shael Norris, and Joyce, a dedicated member of the SafeBAE planning committee and a student at Spelman College, will be presenting at Lamar Texas Consolidated High School. This visit marks an important opportunity for SafeBAE to engage directly with students, providing them with critical education around consent, healthy relationships, and dating violence prevention.

SafeBAE’s mission is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to create safer, more respectful school environments. With Shael’s expertise and Joyce’s peer perspective, this presentation promises to bring impactful discussions and real-world insights to the students of Lamar. In a world where comprehensive education on these topics is increasingly essential, SafeBAE continues to lead the way in fostering awareness and advocacy among young people.

Why Consent Education Matters for Houston Students

Houston, like many urban areas, faces significant challenges regarding youth sexual assault and dating violence. Studies show that about one in three teens experiences some form of abuse from a dating partner, but so many young people feel they don’t have a safe space or the right language to talk about it. For many students, real discussions about consent and dating violence just don’t happen, leaving them to navigate relationships without the guidance they need.

SafeBAE’s upcoming visit to Lamar Texas Consolidated High School is about creating that chance. We’re here to start conversations students might not get anywhere else—about setting boundaries, recognizing when something doesn’t feel right, and supporting friends who might be in difficult situations. For students at Lamar, this is more than just a presentation; it’s a space to talk openly and build skills that will stick with them long after we’re gone, giving them tools to shape a safer, more respectful school community.

Data-Driven Impact: SafeBAE’s Results in Schools Nationwide

SafeBAE has seen firsthand the power of peer-led education in transforming how students approach consent and relationships. Our programs go beyond just sparking conversations—they create lasting change. After participating in SafeBAE workshops, over 85% of students report feeling more confident in setting personal boundaries, and nearly 70% say they feel better equipped to step in as active bystanders.

Moreover, surveys from past schools show that SafeBAE’s programs lead to a 60% increase in students’ understanding of what consent truly means in real-life situations. In schools with ongoing SafeBAE clubs, we’ve seen significant shifts in students’ willingness to support each other and advocate for healthy relationships, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond our presentations. This commitment to tracking our impact allows us to continuously improve and ensures that each visit, like our upcoming one at Lamar, resonates deeply with students and leaves them with practical skills they can use in everyday life.

Working with Schools to Meet Everyone’s Needs

When SafeBAE partners with a school, the goal is always to make sure students get the education they deserve—but we know that means working hand-in-hand with the whole school community. Before our presentation at Lamar Texas Consolidated High School, we sat down with the school’s principal, as we always do, to review the material. During this meeting, the principal brought up concerns about one of the “Pillars of Consent,” specifically the language around “ongoing” consent. She asked if we could remove that part, wondering if it was essential to the message.

This wasn’t the first time we’d heard a request like this. Conversations around consent are never one-size-fits-all; different schools and communities have unique needs and sensitivities, and the language we use matters.

At SafeBAE, we believe that every part of consent education is essential—removing a core concept would be like taking a leg off a chair. Instead of skipping it, we worked together to adjust the language so it resonated with her vision for the students while still holding true to the importance of “ongoing” consent.

This kind of collaboration is what allows SafeBAE to bring meaningful education into schools in a way that feels right for each unique community. We are so grateful to work with administrators who care deeply for their students and put time and effort into making sure they’re getting the education they need to feel safe. Working directly with administrators like the principal at Lamar means we’re breaking down barriers together, creating a space where students can learn about consent in a way that’s clear, relevant, and effective.

 Building Safer, More Informed School Communities Together

SafeBAE’s work at Lamar Texas Consolidated High School, and in schools across the country, is all about making sure students have the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate relationships safely and respectfully. We’re grateful to collaborate with administrators, teachers, and students who are committed to creating spaces where open conversations around consent and boundaries can happen. Every presentation, every workshop, and every discussion moves us closer to a future where all young people feel empowered and supported.

But this mission doesn’t stop here. We invite everyone—students, parents, educators, and community members—to join SafeBAE in advocating for comprehensive, stigma-free education in all schools. Explore our resources, consider bringing SafeBAE to your school, or share our message with others who believe in building safer communities for young people.

Get Involved: Visit SafeBAE.org to learn more, donate, or find out how you can bring SafeBAE programs to your area. Together, we can create a culture where consent, respect, and safety are part of every student’s experience.