UI students holding pledge drive to stand up against sexual assault

WHAT: Student organizations at the University of Iowa are leading the campus’ involvement in the nationwide “It’s On Us” campaign, a White House initiative aimed at helping put an end to sexual assault on college campuses.

The University of Iowa Student Government, Graduate and Professional Student Government, and the President’s Student Advisory Committee on Sexual Misconduct will be encouraging students, staff, and faculty to take a stand against sexual assault by making the “It’s On Us” pledge during a drive campaign on Tuesday, Oct. 28; Wednesday, Oct. 29; and Thursday, Oct. 30.

Student organizations, as well as extracurricular and athletic teams, are also being encouraged to take a group photo after they take the “It’s On Us” pledge and post the photo on social media using the hashtags: #whyisigned, #ItsOnUs, and #bethesolution.

For more information, visit the UI It’s On Us website.

WHEN & WHERE: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 28; on the Pentacrest
• Wednesday, Oct. 29; on the T. Anne Cleary Walkway
• Thursday, Oct. 30; in the EcksteinMedical Research Building atrium
  

BACKGROUND: The “It’s On Us” pledge is a personal commitment to help keep people of all genders safe from sexual assault, and a promise not to be a bystander to the problem, but to be a part of the solution.

Since its announcement in February, the UI has made substantial progress on implementing president Sally Mason’s Six Point Plan to Combat Sexual Assault, which includes:

• Establishing its first-ever Sanctioning Guidelines for Sexual Assault
• Increasing funding for a specially trained nurse to consult with sexual-assault survivors
• Expanding Nite Ride service by adding a second vehicle and lengthening service from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven days a week
• Implementing a new online, video-based training for first-year students aimed at reducing campus sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking

Many resources are also available across campus for students, survivors, and family members, including:

• Safe Ride Taxi Service
• Rape Victim Advocacy Program: 24-hour Crisis Line -
  319-335-6000
• Women’s Resource & Action Center
• The UI Office of the Sexual Misconduct Response coordinator