This past week has shaken our community to the core.
From the disappearance of Hannah Graham, to the three reported sexual assaults on the same weekend, we are hurting. This week has shown both the worst of the world, and the beauty that occurs when we gather together in support and grief. In the aftermath of this, President Obama’s campaign against campus sexual assault could not come at a better time. He says “It’s on us,” and I agree. We have a duty to ourselves, and to the students who will come after us, to ensure we never have to endure a week like this again.
The first step is recognizing that the events of this week did not occur in isolation. At the University and in Charlottesville, incidences of gender-based violence occur frequently, reported or not. Whether it is rampant sexual assault, or the disappearances of Morgan Harrington, Sage Smith, Alexis Murphy, and most recently Hannah, we know women are vulnerable here. As a woman, I can no longer call the University a safe place. I am anxious walking after dark, even on Grounds, even in the early hours of the evening. This is not inevitable. This is not acceptable.
There’s no doubt many people at the University, including members of the administration, already fight tirelessly to eradicate gender-based violence. Organizations like the Women’s Center and the Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition are examples. The “Not On Our Grounds” campaign shows the University is moving in a great direction. We must promote bystander intervention — the fact that bias-related incidents and sexual assaults are so prevalent make it obvious that some people’s backs are turned. Only by facing these issues together can we build a safe community.
Despite the good work being done, a lot of things at the University need to change. As any woman who has stood anxiously outside a party for over 40 minutes knows, Safe Ride’s limited hours and long delays make it useless if you’re in a bad situation. Either the program needs to expand, or the University needs to create a better way for students to get home. We need to increase financial support for the Women’s Center, and promote resources for ongoing advocacy and support of survivors. There is also a culture of impunity regarding sexual assault at this school that must be addressed. Sanctions on organizations (Greek and otherwise) that contribute to gender-based violence must be delivered. Without this, we damage a Community of Trust that holds honor as its highest value. These are tangible steps the University can take to a make big difference in student safety. And this is just the beginning. The University is still under a Title IX investigation by the Department of Education for possibly mishandling a sexual misconduct case. I believe the University must be transparent and honest with regards to the problems we all face here, and directly address an endemic problem of gender-based violence.
With that goal in mind, Queer and Allied Activism (QuAA), in accordance with many other student organizations, is hosting a rally to end gender-based violence in our community. Our rally will bring people together in support of substantive change on the personal, university and state level. I hope you will join us in signing a letter to our administration suggesting changes brought to us by students and professionals, and a letter to our government representatives supporting the legal changes that advocates of survivors are currently working for. Let us also be clear on what a rally will not do. We will not call out individuals. We will not point fingers. We believe gender-based violence can only be solved by a community taking collective responsibility.
For too long, we have watched helplessly as emails streamed into our inbox detailing assaults, or as we comforted friends who have endured them. It’s time to demand radical change in legislation, University policy and culture, and in ourselves. Together, we can work to end oppression at the University and in Charlottesville as a whole. Together, we can make a change. Together, we can reclaim our community.
Stand with us on Friday, Sept. 26 at 3 p.m. in the Amphitheatre as we rally to end gender-based violence at the University and Charlottesville.
Anna Boynton is a fourth-year in the College and a member of QUAA.
Read More
KURTZWEIL: Virginia should embrace sanctuary cities
By Paul Kurtzweil | 2 days agoVirginia would do well to embrace, not shun, sanctuary city laws in knee-jerk reactions to popular notions of sanctuary cities.
FREED: Infrastructure failings leave Charlottesville out in the cold
By Dan Freed | 4 days agoInstead of relying on the expected benevolence of civilians, the City should take full responsibility for the clearing of sidewalks throughout the City.
LETTER: Medical students stand in support of transgender youth
By Rachel Rezabek , Russell Hawes , Ishaan Rischie , Elianna Dunster , Kaile Maske , Zain Ahmad and Zoe Ziff | 6 days agoAs future physicians, we cannot remain silent, especially since U.Va. Health is one of the most comprehensive gender health centers in the country.
