The Student Union Theatre turned into a silent safe haven during a discussion about an issue prevalent on many university campuses: sexual assault.

On Tuesday, Apr. 19 at 6 p.m., the Campus Activities Board and the Student Outreach and Advocacy Representatives, held a showing of the documentary, “The Hunting Ground.” 

Director Kirby Dick and producer Amy Ziering tell the heartbreaking story of both male and female students that were victims of sexual assaults on campuses throughout the country. Viewers were taken on a journey through the battle for justice and safety in higher education environments. With the addition of personal testimonies by victims of sexual assault, the film showed the process that one must go through in attempt to find consequences for their assaulters. 

Advisor for S.O.A.R and Assistant Director for Student Conduct Antoinette Alack describes why it was important to show “The Hunting Ground” on campus. 

“In accordance with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the students of S.O.A.R felt it was important to showcase this documentary to our campus community,” said Alack. “As we know, this is a topic that many are uncomfortable talking about, but we just need to. Southeastern is a caring university, the administration genuinely cares for our students and we want the best for them.”

Following the film was a panel discussion which included Alack, Lt. Patrick Gibson of the University Police Department, Andrea Peevy, Director of the University Health Center and Annette Baldwin of the University Counseling Center and licensed mental health counselor. Counselors were also available to aid attendees during the viewing. 

Although the number of attendees were small, the message of the film managed to be both impactful and thought provoking for the audience.

Junior family and consumer sciences major Raven Gooden describes her decision to attend the showing of “The Hunting Ground.”

“I decided to attend because this is something that we need to know,” said Gooden. “I was always aware of sexual assault, but a lot of people are not aware and this was a good chance for people to be informed about sexual assault.”

Student organizations S.O.A.R and employees of the Office of Student Conduct were also in attendance. 

“It was very important to have this type of event,” said junior social work major and Office of Student Conduct employee Josten Milan. “Having events like this, you know someone else has went through this; and also, to bring awareness of the situation, to say that it’s okay to speak out.”

S.O.A.R. member and freshman business administration major Sabrina Ward describes S.O.A.R.’s decision to participate in the event.

“Our basic thing is student awareness,” said Ward. “We want to make sure we get the word out, from alcohol to sexual assault, drugs, teen pregnancy any dangers that may be going on, on or off campus.” 

Other attendees came because of both hearsay and the need to be informed about on campus sexual assaults.

“I thought it was good that they showed the documentary,” said freshman family and consumer sciences major Steven Sdrougias. “I previously heard a lot of people talking about it. I put it on my to-do list. I thought it was very informative and I learned a lot.”

Junior family and consumer sciences major Gabriela Telleria reflected on her second time watching the documentary.

“They need to show it more at schools, I really liked it,” said Telleria. “Seeing what the girls went through and nobody believed them, it’s really sad that the colleges cared about the athletes. They didn’t believe in the victims.”

Alack assures students that the university will be proactive in finding justice for victims of sexual assault.

“From 2001-2016, the Office of Student Conduct has heard 52 cases of sexual misconduct, 23 of those were responsible for sexual misconduct and 23 of those cases have resulted in removal from campus,” said Alack.

“If a student at Southeastern is found responsible for sexual assault, they will likely be removed from campus as a sanction and in addition to the campus disciplinary process, one may also find themselves charged criminally for the offense.”

For more information about sexual assaults on campus, the Sexual Assault Policy can be found online at southeastern.edu/studenthandbook on page 68.