#HEALTogether: Commemorating SAAPM

Dear friends,

As you may know, the month of April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAPM) in the United States.

As we acknowledge the significance of this month, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest nonprofit anti-sexual assault organization, has provided the following tools to help commemorate SAAPM this year. This year, RAINN decided to focus on the theme #HEALTogether, which encourages the survivor community and their loved ones to come together in their healing from sexual violence and the dangers online. I encourage you to take a few moments to review this important online resource.

I would like to extend a special thanks to the Women’s Empowerment Association of Andrews University (WEAAU), the Andrews University Pre-Law Society, the Social Work Club, the Social Justice Club, and the Andrews University Title IX office for their support and help in collaborating to plan a powerful month of events.

In keeping with the name of the month, #HEALTogether, we are hopeful that these activities will raise awareness of the experiences of those who have experienced sexual assault (both men and women) and lead to more preventative measures.

Here are some of the events planned for the month of April:

SAAPM Kickoff
April 3, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Campus Center
Come by the Campus Center for all the information on SAAPM Events, a BTO cookie and to receive a safety whistle keychain (while supplies last)!

Bagels & Boundaries: Movie Screening
“Then Everything Changed” (Title IX)
April 4, 11:30 a.m., Buller Hall Room 150 (cocurricular credit provided)

Movie Screening: “Hunting Ground” (Pre-Law Society)
April 4, 11:30 a.m., Department of History & Political Science, Buller Hall 135

Dos and “Donuts” of Healthy Dating with Alina Baltazar (Title IX)
April 11, 11:30 a.m., Buller Hall Room 150 (cocurricular credit provided)

Cocurricular Event led by Yulian Tinoco (Pre-Law Society)
April 11, 11:30 a.m., Department of History & Political Science, Buller Hall 135

Self-Defense Class
April 12, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Andreasen Center for Wellness

Perspectives: Stories, Presentations, and Artwork Confronting the Realities of Sexual Violence
April 22, 5–7 p.m., Newbold Auditorium, Buller Hall
This event is sponsored by the WEAAU, Social Work Club and Social Justice Club.

The Solidarity Wall
April 24–28, Campus Center Main Entrance
The Solidarity Wall is an artistic social justice project designed to give a voice to students regarding the national epidemic of on-campus sexual assault. Sponsored by WEAAU and the Office of University Culture & Inclusion.

Denim Day
April 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Denim Day is an international day of awareness-raising and activism with the message that there is nothing anyone could ever do to deserve to experience sexual assault. Wear your denim and come by the photo booth in the Campus Center to enter to win a new pair of jeans!

How do all of these activities relate to our own community here at Andrews University?

In accordance with Title IX Education Amendments of 1972, Andrews University has formally documented that it “is committed to maintaining a respectful learning and living environment that is free from Sexual Harassment … (a collective term which includes) sexual assault, quid pro quo harassment, hostile environment harassment, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Sexual Harassment in any form, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, is inconsistent with this commitment, strictly prohibited and intolerable in the Andrews community.”

More information on the University Title IX Policy and related resources can be found here. Also, you can find information on how to report an incident that may have violated this stated Title IX policy here.

In addition to the Title IX policy and online resources available, our Center for Faith Engagement, in partnership with Andrews University’s International Center for Trauma Education & Care, provides additional resources and support for victims of sexual abuse through an on-campus support group. Students can also schedule individual sessions using the UFaith app.

I look forward to joining you, and our Andrews University community, this April for these important events and crucial conversations as we all strive to raise awareness on our campus during April’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and as we work to keep each other safe against these threats this month, and throughout the year.

Grace and peace,

Michael Nixon
Vice President for University Culture & Inclusion