To Our Campus Community Members,

In October, we came together and demonstrated overwhelming support during the “It’s On Us” National Week of Action, part of the national “It’s On Us” effort initiated by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden to end sexual and relationship violence on college campuses.  On behalf of the members of Chancellor Syverud’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence, we are asking our campus community to once again unite behind this cause during the Spring “It’s On Us” National Week of Action.

Thanks to the hard work of many volunteers, from April 4 through April 8, there will be a number of events and activities aimed at educating our campus community and raising awareness about this very important issue.  We encourage everyone to join in the #ItsOnUsSU campaign by participating in these events, learning how you can get involved in efforts to combat sexual and relationship violence, and supporting those who have been impacted.  In today’s Daily Orange, you will find a full page advertisement detailing all the scheduled activities.

Included in the week’s schedule of events is a visit from Caroline “Carrie” Bettinger-Lopez, the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women. On Monday, April 4, at 7 p.m. in Stolkin Auditorium, Bettinger-Lopez will deliver remarks prior to an encore screening and panel discussion of “The Hunting Ground,” a documentary film that follows college sexual assault survivors pursuing both their education and justice.  Due to the emotional nature of this film, we will have counselors on hand to provide services and support.  A candlelight vigil will take place after the panel discussion.  The following day, we encourage the entire campus to wear teal to show their support for sexual and relationship violence survivors.

As we prepare for the “It’s On Us” National Week of Action, it is also important to remember the resources available on campus for students.  If you’ve been impacted by sexual or relationship violence, contact our Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team at the Counseling Center at 315.443.4715. The team provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week CONFIDENTIAL support, advocacy and discussion of reporting options.

Creating a safer environment for all is on all of us, and we hope you will join us in taking the pledge to end sexual and relationship violence.

Sincerely,

Joanna O. Masingila, Dean, School of Education

Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, Senior Vice President and Dean, Student Affairs

Co-Chairs, Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence 

Published on March 31, 2016 at 10:42 pm