Western Illinois University has launched a new campaign to "take a stand" against sexual assault. President Jack Thomas appears in a public service video that's been distributed to television stations, cable, and on WIU social media.http://youtu.be/_PSspqNglP0
Western, along with other colleges and universities, has revised its policies and procedures to comply with the Violence Against Women Act. Its "Sexual Misconduct Policy" is now more specific and prohibits:
- sexual assault/rape
- stalking
- dating violence
- domestic violence
- gender harassment
- sexual harassment
- discrimination based on pregnancy and parental status
WIU has had similar policies in place for years, but Thomas says they need to be stronger to send the message that sexual violence will not be tolerated. For example, the school provides campus safety tips and information, such as "Don't walk alone." He says the new policy will help students, faculty, staff, and others become pro-active bystanders, and to speak up when they see, or hear about, acts of sexual misconduct.
Western's campaign also includes new signs in campus buildings placed on mirrors in restrooms.