Alcorn State University’s Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion, the Compliance Office, the Student Engagement Office and the Health and Disabilities Office hosted Sexual Assault Awareness Week beginning on Monday, February 5, 2018 and ending on Friday, February 9, 2018. The objective of this week was to raise awareness on information regarding sexual assault and harassment while also bringing knowledgeable people in to share their experiences and offer assistance.
The week started off with introducing Katherine Klein, the Advocacy Coordinator of Equality for all Mississippians on February 5, 2018 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom. The welcome was done by LLJuna G. Weir, the Director of Educational Equity and Inclusion. Following, Devina Hogan, the Director of Student Engagement, introduced the speaker. Kline, also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, covered the rights of Title IX, went over the abuse wheel and discussed the various types of abuse. Jason Cable, the Assistant Vice President for Athletics Compliance and Academic Services, carried out the recognition of special guests and closing remarks.
On Tuesday, February 6, 2018 a Sexual Assault Awareness Workshop was held from 10:00 am – 11:00 am and also from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm in the Union Multipurpose Room. Athletes from every sports team were required to come and an abundance of the student athletes attended. Kline was the speaker for this event as well and introduced topics such as sexual jokes and explained abuse and sexual misconduct. Weir stated, “It was a great turn out and the majority of student athletes came out to the event which is great. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has mandated that we implement workshops and programs regarding sexual assault on campus. This was the first.”
On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, members of the organization hosted a Meet and Greet at a table in the lobby of the cafeteria at 11:00 am. Here, they passed out goody bags and pamphlets to people that helped to spread awareness of sexual assault. The pamphlets included were about the Guardian Sexual Assault Center, sexual rights and responsibilities, what to do if someone you know is raped, what is consent and preventing sexual assault.
On Thursday, February 8, 2018, the Mixer Reception was hosted in the Dining Hall Gold Room from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Here, Weir honored Karren Ewing, a Victim’s Assistant Coordinator for the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, for her unrelenting work to help victims of crime. Afterwards, Ewing shared her experiences with the audience. Refreshments were provided and students were encouraged to mingle with one another after she had finished.
The week finished on Friday, February 9, 2018 with an Awareness Walk that began in front of the E.E. Simmons Gymnasium at 11:00 am and ended in front of the Dining Hall. The participants were joined by the Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band. The Sexual Assault Awareness Week was very informative for both faculty, students and staff.