You've probably heard of the It's on Us campaign to raise awareness regarding the problem of sexual violence on the nation's college campuses.
Here's how SB Nation's Sarah Kogood explained the campaign:
SB Nation and Vox Media are partnering with Generation Progress to support the "It's On Us" campaign. "It's On Us" is a movement aimed at changing the way we think about sexual assault. The campaign, in coordination with the White House, is encouraging everyone to step up and realize that the solution begins with us. It's the acknowledgement that sexual assault isn't just an issue involving a victim and a perpetrator, but one that involves us all. It means taking responsibility for ourselves and each other. Speaking up when someone needs help. Looking out for someone who can't consent.
The University of South Carolina has partnered with the campaign. This post is intended to let you know what's happening on campus this semester at USC as part of that partnership.
USC student body president Lindsay Richardson informs me that during rivalry week, USC is having a competition with Clemson to see which student body can raise the most pledges.
USC SGA Secretary of Health, Wellness, and Disabilities Megan Plassmeyer is involved in planning a couple of other events this semester. She is spearheading a social media effort to raise awareness about the campaign. She is also working on bringing in a guest speaker to lead a campus conversation regarding sexual violence on college campuses.
I encourage readers here at GABA to learn more about this important campaign and, if you're a current student at USC, to participate in the events your campus representatives have planned. Sexual violence on college campuses is an all-too-common reality that mars the college experience of far too many men and women. The incidence of such violence is perpetuated by the culture of silence that surrounds the issue. By seeking to learn more about the issue, we can work together to make sure that it's no longer acceptable to sweep sexual violence under the rug.