Southeastern Sociological Association met in front of Fayard Hall to raise awareness on the issue of sexual assault. Those who stopped by were able to paint a blanket to show their support for the recovery of victims and that they were not alone.
The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt
The Southeastern Sociological Association peacefully met in front of the Katrina-Rita Fountain with one goal in mind: to create a safe place for students while taking a stand against sexual assault.
May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., SSA hosted Unity in the Quad to raise awareness of sexual assault and violence.
SSA wanted to schedule something earlier in the semester, but was unable to until now. They hope the title of the event helps show the university’s unity by wanting to end sexual violence as well as showing their support for those who have been affected by sexual violence.
“We are calling it ‘Unity in the Quad,’’’ said Sarah Basile, applied sociology grad student and SSA President. “It is to create and show unity of support for sexual assault survivors. Last month was ‘sexual assault awareness month’ and we couldn’t book anything sooner. We decided to book something before the end of the semester. It is something near and dear to my heart because it kind of goes with the ‘No More’ Campaign that has been going on campus. There is this idea that when you are raped, it is your fault. That is not the case at all. I think people should stand for sexual assault survivors and tell them, ‘It’s okay, you didn’t do anything wrong. I believe you.’”
Other members of SSA believe the university needs to ensure this difficult topic is brought up for the protection of the high enrollment of women on campus.
“We have a huge population of women on this campus,” said senior sociology major Jarett Aucoin. “We have a huge population of men as well, but we are definitely outnumbered by women. Domestic abuse mainly affects women and that is one thing we have never seen on this campus: raising awareness for sexual abuse, domestic abuse and things of that nature. It is really prominent around our society and something that is hard to talk about.”
Along with promoting awareness, SSA had a blanket that could be painted by those wishing to publicly show their support for victims and how they were not alone.
“We are trying to make a blanket,” said Basile. “The idea is to have this sheet or blanket with everybody we can get showing support for sexual assault survivors so they can see that the campus is behind you. Southeastern is behind you. We believe you. We are on your side.”
Those who passed the Katrina-Rita Fountain were appreciative of the friendly atmosphere of SSA and believed in the cause for Unity in the Quad.
“They were outgoing and stopped me; they seemed friendly,” said senior general studies major Jayda Elbert. “I have had friends who have been victims of sexual assault. It’s a really good thing they are doing, and it is for a noble cause.”