Message from President Knapp Regarding University Sexual Assault Resources

President underscores the importance of ‘It’s on Us’ initiative and how the GW community can get involved.

September 22, 2014

To the George Washington Community:
 
Last Friday, I had the honor of representing the university at the White House, where President Obama and Vice President Biden together launched a new effort to prevent sexual assault on college campuses.  With me were Student Association President Nick Gumas, Vice President for External Relations Lorraine Voles, and Director of Athletics and Recreation Patrick Nero. This initiative, “It’s On Us,” focuses particularly on encouraging young men to become active participants in the prevention of sexual violence. But the message is important for all to hear and take to heart: sexual assault must not and will not be tolerated.  
 
As part of this effort, our Department of Athletics and Recreation released a public service announcement to help show the university’s support for this important initiative. I hope this new campaign will stimulate discussion, reflection, and engagement among our students and our university community as a whole.  
 
Our involvement in this campaign builds on many efforts underway across the university. In response to student initiatives and under the overall leadership of Vice Provost Terri Harris Reed, we offer sexual assault prevention resources, including bystander intervention training, and comprehensive support to survivors of sexual assault. Detailed information on the university’s resources related to sexual assault can be found on the university’s Haven website, and I encourage all members of our community to become familiar with them. By working together, we can make clear to all that sexual assault has no place in our community and help ensure the safety of all its members.
 
Sincerely,
Steven Knapp
President
The George Washington University