FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Olivia Lammel, 412-642-7700
University Presidents and Community Leaders Unite Against Campus Sexual Assault
– Report on efforts to promote student safety and violence prevention –
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 14, 2017 – College and university leaders in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties united with community advocates and public officials on Monday, Sept. 11, to reaffirm their commitment and report on the region’s progress in addressing campus sexual assault.
The event at University of Pittsburgh marked the public launch of a video series featuring 13 area university presidents emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue, refusing to tolerate abuse on campus and encouraging students to report and seek assistance.
“Change starts with leadership from the top,” said Kristy Trautmann, executive director, FISA Foundation. “In Southwestern Pennsylvania, college and community leaders are stepping forward in bold new ways to work collaboratively with a focus on prevention, and ensure that victims of sexual violence are met with respect and support.”
The program included a video address from Gov. Tom Wolf, who vocalized his support for the Southwestern Pennsylvania universities and organizations working to prevent campus sexual assault. Pennsylvania Department of Health Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Westmoreland County Commissioners Gina Cerilli, Ted Kopas and Charles Anderson, law enforcement and victim service advocates were among those who spoke about the region’s collective commitment to this important issue. Maggie Kennedy, a student at the University of Pittsburgh and member of the It’s On Us Task Force, also shared her unique perspective.
Presidents and leaders from Point Park University, Chatham University, Carlow University, Seton Hill University, Robert Morris University and University of Pittsburgh were present to report on the collective policies and practices their institutions have implemented as part of their commitment to a safe campus culture.
“We’re not going backward in the importance of emphasizing this and continuing to address this as an issue on college campuses,” said Carlow University President Suzanne Mellon at the event.
To view the video series and access Title IX resources, visit http://southwestpasaysnomore.org/university-presidents/. For further information, see ourpress kit.
About Southwest PA Says No More
Southwest PA Says NO MORE is a regional movement of organizations and individuals who are working to end domestic and sexual violence. FISA Foundation, in partnership with The Heinz Endowments and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania developed Southwest PA Says No More to showcase the important prevention-focused work happening in this region, and to make it easier for individuals and organizations to take action to stop gender-based violence. More than 25 organizations across the region have partnered with Southwest PA Says No More, including the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
###