The University of Memphis’ Student Government Association is hosting its first sexual assault awareness week.
Sexual assault awareness week includes workshops, films and #TigersWearTeal day, which is an encouragement for all students to wear teal on Thursday in support for the victims and survivors of sexual assault.
Natalie Moore, student government vice president, thinks even if sexual assault awareness hasn’t directly affected a person, student government is giving the student body a chance to bring awareness to the issue and not be a bystander if they see something wrong.
“It is so rewarding having this week of sexual assault awareness on campus because it is an opportunity for students to take ownership and for the school to join together and put an end to something that directly affects us,” Moore said.
Student government has recorded a video to bring awareness and offered students a chance to take a pledge and receive a T-shirt in the University Center that reads ‘It’s On Us.’
This issue has been very close to many of the student government members. One included is Courtney Blanchard, an at-large senator for student government.
“To be a part of an organization supporting sexual assault awareness is amazing,” Blanchard said. “As an student government senator, I vowed to be the ‘Voice of the Students,’ and I found this was an issue often overlooked by students, faculty and staff.”
Dedicating a week to sexual assault awareness has an affect on the campus atmosphere, and Blanchard believes it brings a sense of unity to the U of M campus.
“All issues need to be addressed,” Blanchard said. “One in five women and one in 16 men will be sexually assaulted in college, and it is still the most under-reported crime. With events like sexual assault awareness week, our campus can come together to educate and support the fight against sexual assault.”
This Thursday SGA is hosting #TigersWearTeal, which encourages students to support sexual assault victims by wearing teal, the color that represents the cause.
Student government is also offering the ‘It’s On Us’ pledge in the UC Atrium, which is a pledge to refrain from being a bystander if someone witnesses sexual assault or anything similar. Those who take this pledge will receive a teal ribbon to support victims.
