Walk and Sexual Harassment Study Highlight USU Awareness Activities

Men tottering in high heels and discussion of a new, nationwide survey of sexual harassment on American college campuses are activities planned for Utah State University’s observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month Wednesday, April 12.

At 2:30 p.m., Dave Ottley, co-director of USU’s Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity office, relates details of a recent national survey in which two-thirds of the undergraduate respondents said they’d been sexually harassed on campus. His talk, which takes place in the Taggart Student Center Auditorium, is free and open to the public.

 

Commissioned by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, “Drawing the Line: Sexual Harassment on Campus,” reveals findings of a 2005 survey of more than 2,000 male and female college students about their experiences with sexual harassment.

 

“This is the first nationwide survey conducted for quite some time that specifically targets college students,” says Ottley. “Talking about it is a good opportunity to educate students about what sexual harassment is and what can be done about it.” 

 

Among the study’s findings are that men and women often react differently to harassment and many students are reluctant to report harassment to authorities.

 

“One of the biggest misconceptions students have about sexual harassment is that they can’t do anything about it, says Ottley. “We want to help students understand their rights,” he says.

 

Earlier in the day, intrepid Aggie men will don women’s high heels for a wacky walk to raise funds for campus sexual assault education and prevention efforts. The walk, which starts at 10:20 a.m. and begins and ends on the TSC patio, follows a mile-long course through campus. Walkers are participants in the “Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes” fundraiser sponsored by USU’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office.

 

“We invite the campus community to come out and cheer on these good sports who are supporting a serious cause,” says Rachel Brighton, SAAVI coordinator.

 

Guitarist Chris Jordan provides entertainment for the event.

 

Walk supporters can pledge donations for the walker of their choice or can make contributions to containers carried along the course. Prizes will be awarded to the individual walker who raises the most funds and to the most enthusiastic walker. A traveling trophy goes to the organization with the most participants, along with a $100 Wal-Mart gift certificate.

 

In case of inclement weather, the walk will be held outside the USU Bookstore on the first floor of the Taggart Student Center.

 

The “Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes” event funds the university’s year-old “One-in-Four” Chapter, along with other campus rape prevention education efforts. One-in-Four is a nationwide network of all-male peer education groups on college campuses aimed at reducing sexual assault and violence. The organization takes its name from a U.S. Department of Justice study that estimates one in four college women have experienced rape or attempted rape since the age of 14.

 

Utah State was the first university in the Intermountain West to establish a One-in-Four chapter.

 

For more information about the April 12 events, contact Brighton at 435-797-1510 or rbrighton@cc.usu.edu.