By Kaitlyn Boisvert-
Media Credit - The Date Safe Project - Mike Domitrz is scheduled to speak on campus Wednesday, October 5
American universities aspire to provide a safe learning environment – a place where students discover and attain personal enrichment without questioning their well-being. If problems arise, these universities take action immediately. Salve is one of many schools where sexual harassment and assault are not taken lightly.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, sexual harassment and assault interfere with students’ rights to receive education free from discrimination; and in the case of sexual violence, is a crime that breaches civil rights. For years it has been a prevalent issue for colleges and in the past some schools have not always properly handled these cases.
For John Quinn, Director of Student Affairs, sexual assault is not an issue he overlooks. On the contrary, he thinks it is one of the biggest issues a college could face and it should be taken seriously.
“It is a very damaging act, both physically and emotionally,” Quinn said of sexual assault. “It can ruin the lives of both the victim and the perpetrator. I will never forget the first case of sexual assault that I got. It was in 1990 and the poor girl was an emotional wreck, her attacker was in denial.”
Quinn added, “It truly helped me realize the importance of informing students that this issue is very real and current and it must be stopped.”
In May the U.S. Government issued a 29-page informational letter in order to step up the country’s active response to sexual harassment and assault. The letter was sent to every American university, addressing sexual assault and the importance of schools working to end the issue, while also ensuring a safe academic environment free from violence and discrimination.
The letter also provided information regarding a federal civil rights law, Title 9, which prohibits discrimination in educational programs on the basis of sex. Title 9 also addressed discrimination present in sexual assault.
In order to implement the goals presented, the letter further emphasized the importance of schools educating students; taking every sexual harassment and assault case seriously and to have a designated employee to handle and address any case.
Salve Regina has already taken the necessary steps in order to follow this proposed mission. This year’s student planner and handbook provide the regulations of Title 9 and the University’s promise to follow Title 9 and to take all cases of sexual harassment and assault seriously.
Salve also appointed Paul Cardoza, Wellness Coordinator as the designated employee to address cases pertaining to the violation of Title 9. Cardoza, an employee for 35 years has had vast experience in working with students. It is because of his dedication to helping students that Quinn felt confident Cardoza qualified as the perfect candidate.
When offered the responsibility, Cardoza was happy to accept it. Among his duties, Cardoza works to disseminate information to students regarding sexual harassment and assault, providing a safe non-judgmental environment where any victimized students can come to report a case and receive support.
Another goal of his is to educate students, encouraging them to always respect the desires and boundaries of their partner. Sexual assault frequently occurs between two people in intimate relationships. So, students must know how to be considerate and to never harm their partner.
“For students to make healthy choices, they need sound knowledge,” said Cardoza. “They need to be encouraged to respect their partner, and to ask before they act.”
One way that Salve will aspire to educate students about sexual assault and harassment is by featuring a presentation on October 5 from guest speaker, Michael Domitrz, author of May I Kiss You?: A Candid Look at Dating, Communication, Respect, & Sexual Assault Awareness.
According to www.salve.edu, Domitrz shall speak about dating, communication respect and will promote awareness for sexual assault at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Bazarsky Lecture Hall of the O’Hare academic building. It is mandatory for all students to attend.
Domitrz has visited Salve two other times in the span of seven years and his presentation has always proved to be powerful and informative. T-shirts and Tattoos pertaining to the presentation will be available for sale in front of the Lecture auditorium.
Following the lecture will be a Follow-up Discussion for freshmen in New Student Seminar. Ducha Hang, Director of First Year and Exploratory Programs will lead the discussion. It will hopefully reemphasize the importance of students making sound decisions in their relationships.
Reflecting upon Salve’s positive actions, Quinn feels proud or Salve and all it has done thus far. “Addressing this issue has required many of us Salve representatives to come and work together,” said Quinn. “Student Affairs, along with Counseling Services, and President Sister Jane Gerety have all worked hard to ensure that all policies and procedures are being met, and that everything is being done to address and prevent sexual harassment and assault. Although more still needs to be done, I feel confident that we are on the right track to keeping students safe and free from threat.”
