This past Wednesday, the student-run advocacy group Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU) hosted their third annual SARU’s Night Out, a formal off-campus dinner and speaker event. In keeping with their mission that “supports all survivors of sexual violence and works to dismantle rape culture,” as advertised on their website, SARU’s executive board (myself included) invited Laura Dunn to speak. Nationally known as a “victim turned victim’s rights attorney,” Laura began her journey with sexual assault policy as an outspoken student survivor. Since then, she has founded the nonprofit organization SurvJustice, served as the primary student negotiator on the U.S. Department of Education’s Violence Against Women Act Rulemaking Committee and advised the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault.
If you weren’t able to make it, check out these photos!
Students arrived at the Louisiana Restaurant in Fells Point, which serves Southern-style food.
SARU members handed out their new business cards and “CONSENT: ASK, LISTEN, RESPECT” stickers, along with information about FORCE’s Monument Quilt, which they hosted on the Beach last month.
Laura spoke to the crowd of roughly 70 attendees about her background, our rights (and responsibilities) as students and the lack of progressive sexual assault legislation in Maryland.
Before returning to Homewood, students were served dessert, including bread pudding and chocolate mousse!
There was also music and dancing, for those who were interested.