FIU joins ‘It’s On Us’ campaign

FIU will join the White House’s new campaign, It’s On Us, launched on Friday, Sept. 19. Aimed at ending sexual assault on college campuses, the slogan is intended to emphasize the role that each person – men and women – play at preventing and stopping violence. FIU will roll out materials in late October as it expands education on prevention, bystander intervention and resources for victims.

Dean of Students Cathy Akens is advising the committee that is developing FIU’s “It’s On Us” campaign for students.

“Our students have shown concern for this topic and we are proud of their efforts to speak out against sexual assault,” Akens said. “The focus of this campaign is emphasizing the personal responsibility that every member of our university community has to help end sexual assault. That includes students, faculty and staff. We want to teach our students especially, how to speak out and take action when they see something. We have been providing outreach and education for a long time and we are excited to participate in this national effort.”

FIU will adapt several of the national It’s On Us materials for the campaign. The committee plans to create flyers, banners, t-shirts and other materials to bring attention to the matter. The committee has also partnered with numerous academic and student groups to expand its messaging and audience reach.

“We believe the It’s On Us movement to end sexual assault on campus is imperative for our students to be aware of and a part of,” said Alexis Calatayud and Jazmin Felix, Student Government Association presidents at MMC and BBC. “It’s extremely important for students to be informed about the nature of sexual assault, how they can receive help if it occurs, and how they can help someone who has been a victim. The It’s On Us campaign empowers each and every FIU student to take an active role in ending sexual assault on campus and within our community. It’s our responsibility to keep women and men safe from sexual assault – and to remember and support victims, whenever it occurs. And through launching this campaign here at FIU, we hope to do just that.”

Several prominent celebrities have contributed to the national It’s On Us public service announcement to enlist support of the campaign:

Studies show that one in five women and one in 16 men will be sexually assaulted while in college and that the first six weeks of school are the most risky. Eight in 10 victims know their attacker.

For more information on the FIU It’s On Us campaign, visit itsonus.fiu.edu or contact the Dean of Students office at 305-348-2797. FIU’s 24-hour crisis hotline can be reached at 305-348-3000.