UB students join ‘It’s On Us’ sexual assault prevention campaign

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Student leaders from the University at Buffalo have organized events and pledge signings to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention, joining the White House’s “It’s On Us” campaign taking place on college campuses nationwide.

The campaign asks college students, faculty and staff to make a personal commitment to help keep women and men safe from sexual assault by pledging:

• To recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.
• To identify situations in which sexual assault may occur.
• To intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.
• To create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.

As part of the campaign, UB student leaders participated in this VIDEO produced in collaboration with UB’s Office of University Life and Services.  The video is being shared on student and university social media channels.

“It’s On Us” pledge signings will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 12, 18, 19 and 21 in the Student Union lobby on UB’s North Campus. Pledge signings also will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 14 and 17 in Harriman Hall on UB’s South Campus.

“The UB Student Association is proud to be participating in the ‘It’s On Us’ campaign,” said Student Association President James Ingram. “Sexual assault prevention is a cause that we take extremely seriously. As the voice of the undergraduate students, we are committed to taking a stand against sexual assault and sexual violence on our campus.”

“I am extremely excited to be working with the Student Association for the ‘It’s On Us’ campaign,” said Minahil Khan, student representative on the UB Council. “It’s extremely important for students to take an active role in preventing sexual assault on their campus.

“We are offering a range of programming that aims to show UB students how they can take a stand against sexual assault in their own lives.”

Other campaign events, offered in partnership with UB’s chapter of the American Association of University Women, Wellness Education and Services, and SBI Health, will include:

• A screening of the film “Miss Representation,” 6 p.m. Nov. 17, 114 Student Union.
• Know your Title IX Rights Seminar, 5 p.m. Nov. 18, 210 Student Union.
• Bystander Intervention Training, 4 p.m. Nov 19, 210 Student Union.
• Sexual Assault Prevention Fair and Self Defense Workshop, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21, Student Union Lobby/Social Hall.

UB for many years has had prevention and awareness programs, policies and practices in place to prevent and deal with complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence, according to Sharon Nolan-Weiss, director of UB’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Title IX coordinator.

Earlier in the year, the university formed a Campus Sexual Assault Working Group charged with assessing other opportunities for improving sexual assault prevention efforts and ensuring the university responds to actions and recommendations from the White House and SUNY leadership.

Nolan-Weiss said UB is generally a very safe place to be. In this Q & A, she described steps taken by the university to be extremely vigilant in the prevention of student sexual assaults.