91ֱ
The$40,000 grant will be used to reframe the conversation around sexualviolence andhelp keepthe campus communitysafe.
Grant funds will be used to expand survivor-centered support, prevention, and response efforts by strengthening material assistance, increasing campus-wide awareness, and enhancing trauma-informed capacity among key campus stakeholders.
91ֱ is one of several universities across Pennsylvania that will receive a grant from the It’s On Us PA campaign.
The University has been granttowork towards the goals of the campaign,which includeadvancing efforts to address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking through education, prevention, and response in postsecondary education.This workis supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Educationand Governor Josh Shapiro.
“The It’sOnUs PAcampaign is based on a core belief that sexual violence shouldn’t be part of any student’s education,”according to the.“Supportedby Governor Josh Shapiro and education leaders across the commonwealth, including school superintendents and college presidents,It’sOnUs PA is a statewide campaign that invites education leaders and all Pennsylvanians to be part of the solution to protect students from sexual violence.”
It brings together all members of higher education communities – from university presidents to students – to work to be a part of the solution.
At La 91ֱ, grant funds will be used to expand survivor-centered support, prevention, and response efforts by strengthening material assistance, increasing campus-wide awareness, and enhancing trauma-informed capacity among key campus stakeholders.
“We’re really getting an amazing opportunity to tackle sexual violence on all fronts, from building a more robust prevention program, to increasing awareness ofand enhancingour victim/survivorservices,” Assistant Director for Sexual Violence Prevention and Response, Maggie Szeder, said.“I’mveryexcitedabout whatwe’regoing to be able to do with this grant money, specifically the development of a Survivor’s Closet. It may seem like a little thing, butit’sa great wayto help survivors take back control and find their new normal.”
The Survivor’s Closet will provide clothing bundles for students who must turn their clothes over for evidence, along with, sheets, bedding, and comfort items that will help students remove triggering items from their rooms, and gift cards that will help survivors rebuild and reestablish safety.
“This$40,000 award is an important affirmation of 91ֱ’s commitment to student safety and holistic well-being. Through this funding, we will be able to expandsurvivor-centeredsupport, strengthen prevention and awareness efforts, and further equip our campus community torespond with compassion, care, and accountability,”La 91ֱ’s Vice President for StudentDevelopment and Campus Life,Gaby St. Leger, Ed.D.,said“We are grateful for the opportunity to advance this work in ways that are both practical and deeply meaningful for our students.”
Since the campaign began in 2016, nearly $8.7 million has been given to 100 post-secondary institutions across the state, who have used the funding to help implement strategies that address the goals of the campaign.
-Naomi Thomas