To Our Campus Community Members,

This week, a sea of teal will blanket our campus, symbolizing the #ItsOnUsSU campaign, part of the “It’s On Us” National Week of Action. Aimed at ending sexual and relationship violence, the national “It’s On Us” campaign was initiated last year by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, who as you know will be on campus later this week to discuss this very important issue.

On behalf of the members of Chancellor Syverud’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence, we encourage all our campus community members to get involved during “It’s On Us” National Week of Action as we raise awareness about this important issue. From Nov. 9 through Nov. 13, the Task Force, students and offices across Syracuse University will host a number of events and opportunities for you to show your support for those impacted by sexual and relationship violence, learn more about prevention and education efforts and sign the pledge to help end sexual assault. In today’s Daily Orange you will find a full-page advertisement detailing all the events scheduled this week.

In particular, we hope you’ll join us tomorrow night (Tuesday, Nov. 10) for the screening of The Hunting Ground, a roughly 90-minute film that follows college sexual assault survivors pursuing both their education and justice, for them and for others. The screening, which will be followed by a panel discussion featuring two of our students, will take place at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel. Because of the emotional nature of this film, we will have counselors on hand to provide services and support.

The safety and well-being of our students is and always will be our number one priority. If you’ve been impacted by sexual or relationship violence, contact our Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team at the Counseling Center at 315.443.4715. The Center provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week CONFIDENTIAL support, advocacy and discussion of reporting options.

#ItsOnUsSU is another opportunity for us ̶ students, staff, faculty and administrators – to come together and put an end to sexual and relationship violence once and for all.

Sincerely
Joanna O. Masingila, Dean, School of Education
Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, Senior Vice President and Dean, Student Affairs
Co-Chairs, Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence