WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 3, 2016 — Supporting the national initiative, It’s On Us, West Liberty University staged a drone photo this past Monday as it prepares for the Oct. 9 – 15 observation of It’s On Us Fall Week of Action. The photo is being used in a video now in production at WLU TV-14.
“It’s On Us is committed to creating an environment where sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported. As West Liberty University’s Title IX Coordinator, I am proud of our students and staff for getting involved and taking the pledge,” said Diana Harto, WLU’s chief human resource officer.
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A national initiative that asks college students and members of campus communities to make a personal commitment to take a stand and be a part of the solution to campus sexual assault, It’s On Us stems from the efforts of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. The campaign seeks to inspire everyone to see it as his or her responsibility to do something, big or small, to prevent sexual violence.
The national pledge states that signees will: recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault, identify situations in which sexual assault may occur, intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given, create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.
West Liberty University offers many resources for sexual assault victims.
“Raising awareness about sexual assault prevention, response and bystander intervention is important to our campus community. Sharing the message of intervention and support is an effective step towards reducing all forms of campus violence and aiding victims,” Harto said. “Anyone can take the pledge by visiting itsonus.org.”
WLU also completed a campus-wide online training of all employees last spring that addressed preventing sexual harassment on campus, and Title IX as preventative and ongoing education. This ongoing employee educational effort continues with all new employees, according to Harto.
During the October action week, there are other events planned including a moment of silence at the annual Campus Serenades, to be held at 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11 and a pledge-signing event at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 12 during Tent Day on the Quad, as the students vote for the Homecoming King and Queen.
Homecoming is Oct. 15, 2016 at WLU as the Hilltoppers take on the University of Virginia at Wise and additional It’s On Us awareness is planned for the tailgate and game, including a balloon release during the game.