Liberty University raising awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and Liberty University is hosting events throughout April to increase awareness.
As in previous years, Liberty University lit its Freedom Tower in teal on Monday, April 15, to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. School officials said it represents the school’s commitment to campus safety.
“I am really proud of the direction Liberty’s going in, in terms of bringing awareness to that and wanting to make a safer environment for our students,” said Sydney Hill, a rising senior at Liberty University.
Liberty University lights Freedom Tower for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The university, which was fined $14 million by the Department of Education earlier in part for the way it handled the cases of sexual assault survivors, is working this month to educate students about victims. This includes a “What were you wearing?” exhibit that will explain how assault can happen to anyone.
“I think it’s really important, especially since we are a Christian school. We don’t want to shame anyone. So, just making sure that we are condemning the people who are in the wrong and not the ones who are a victim in the situation,” said Ana Radke, a Freshman at Liberty University.
Students were also able to submit anonymously. Their stories are to be exhibited at the Office of Equity and Compliance (OEC) in DeMoss Hall from April 24 through April 25. Officials say the university has spent $10 million in the last two years to ensure safety.
While some say they wish there were more cameras, students tell WFXR they feel safe due to resources throughout the campus like security, emergency buttons, and “On Demand” rides.
Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and Liberty University team up for free self-defense classes
“I think just knowing that we have that type of protection just makes me feel safe but in general, the atmosphere is pretty safe I would say,” said Radke.
“I am an RA on campus, so to me just the fact that we have made a lot more efforts to make students feel more safe, and I know at least as a resident assistant, we have had a lot of conversations with our higher-ups about how we properly handle situations and different things that happen with students,” Hill explained.
Students say in the future, they hope to continuously hear how the university is working on keeping the campus safe.
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