In September 2014, the Obama administration launched the It’s On Us campaign to help get everyone involved in the fight against sexual assault on college campuses. According to their website, they have held over 300,000 campus events and have had over 300,000 people take the pledge to help stand against sexual assault. It’s On Us has held events in all 50 states in the United States in order to spread awareness about the harsh realities of sexual assault on college campuses – but with every step forward comes two steps back. Earlier this month, Betsy Devos announced she plans to review the 2011 Dear Colleague letter that contained crucial guidance and explain protections under Title IX for sexual assault survivors.
On September 19, 2017, former Vice President Joe Biden responded to this news on the third anniversary of It’s On Us. Because of Devos’ announcement, he explained that now is the time to step up to the plate and take a stand against sexual assault. Recent statistics show that one in five college women are sexually assaulted while on campus, yet in 2017 89% of colleges reported no incidences of sexual assault. These numbers do not add up.
A college not reporting cases of sexual assault is unacceptable because it only helps protect the offenders. Guidance from the Dear Colleague letter as well as the Violence against Women act are both key to aiding colleges in the fight against sexual assault, yet they are under attack.
So, what can you do to help? Speak up. Sign the pledge on It’s On Us. Practice bystander intervention. Do what you can.
If you have experienced sexual violence and are in need of crisis support, please call the RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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