Lee to honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month through week of events

April 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. To recognize and honor this milestone, Office of Student Care Director Brittany Gates and her team have planned events for April 5-12.

“Last year, we were able to start a new tradition of hosting events for our campus in April to raise awareness, provide education, and take a stand that sexual harassment is not tolerated on our campus,” said Gates. “This year, Lee is proud to join in this effort again with the addition of some new and enhanced opportunities.”

Last year, Gates partnered with several students to design events to honor survivors and raise awareness about sexual assault on college campuses. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, an anti-sexual violence organization, sexual violence is more prevalent on college campuses.

This year’s theme is “Know More,” and focuses on education and awareness in an attempt to prevent sexual assault. 

On Tuesday, April 5, the Office of Student Care will partner with Omega Alpha Phi to host Teal Day. Students are invited to wear teal, stop by the booth located on the Ped Mall and pledge to help prevent sexual harassment on campus. 

On Wednesday, April 6, students are invited to attend Lunch and Learn in the Centenary Room at 12 p.m. This lunch will further emphasize the focus on education and awareness. Free lunch will be provided for the first 50 students to register. 

A Night of Hope Awareness Walk will take place on Thursday, April 7, at 7 p.m. in Alumni Park. According to Gates, the walk is meant to honor and support survivors of sexual assault.

The following week on Tuesday, April 12, Campus Security will host a self-defense class designed for female students, faculty and staff. The class will cover awareness, prevention, risk reduction, risk avoidance and will provide hands-on instruction in defensive concepts and techniques. The class is limited to 20 participants. Sign up here. 

“A core value of Lee University is responsible citizenship,” Gates said. “Taking seriously the somber reality of sexual harassment and choosing to lean in to educating ourselves, to stand up for one’s neighbor, and to say something when a situation does not appear okay are all ways that we can work together and make our community safer for everyone.”

For more information on the events, email Brittany Gates at bgates@leeuniversity.edu.

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