Robyn Jones
Staff Writer
The University’s Title lX office collaborated with the Greek Life last week to put on a sexual assault awareness booth in front of the Campus Center.
Student representatives from Iota Delta, Phi Sigma Sigma, Sigma Kappa, Alpha Omicron Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon were on hand with the University’s Title lX coordinator Alison Vicroy.
Title IX is the 50-year-old law that calls for gender equity in education and prohibits bias based on sex and gender. It is most frequently associated with sports programs and sexual assault prevention.
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 27, students stopped by the booth to answer questions about sexual assault statistics posed by greek life representatives.
Participants were given “cup condoms” to protect their drinks, and keychain alarms.
“We’re just trying to promote awareness to everyone, so that they can be aware when they are in social settings and unwanted situations,” said Mackay MorganArmstrong, senior kinesiology major and Sigma Kappa member.
“This (is) very important to me as a woman and a member of Iota Delta because (sexual assault) is a serious problem, so I love that they decided to implement this booth this semester,” said Isela Chavez, junior legal studies major and president of Iota Delta.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 26.4% of female undergraduates and 6.8% of male undergrads will experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.
Vicroy said sexual assault education often focuses only on women.
“We know all genders experience harm and all genders cause harm,” Vicroy said.
Joey Duarte, sophomore business administration major and Phi Delta Theta member, walked up to the booth before class.
“I don’t know anyone who was affected by sexual assault,” Duarte said. “But … it hurts to know that there could be people I care about and love that could possibly be affected and scared to say something.”
If you have been assaulted and need to speak with someone confidentially, call the Counseling and Psychological Services center on campus at 909-448-4105, or the 24-hour National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.
To report a sexual assault on campus, email or call Vicroy at title9coordinator@laverne.edu at call 909-448-4012.
Robyn Jones can be reached at robyn.jones2@laverne.edu.
Robyn Jones is a senior journalism major and sports editor for the Campus Times. She is also a member of Iota Delta and a freelance photographer whose work can be found on Instagram at @jnaisphotos.
