| April 19, 2017 | 7
In the last five years, SEVEN rapes have been reported on campus. MSU DEFINES rape as: “Rape is the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus, with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. This offense includes the rape of both males and females.”
it’s rape the way to penetration. It’s how the students to students via e-mail. talk and grind. It’s a problem when that sort “We were hoping students would give of culture is created. I felt like conversations us some feedback on how safe they feel on about sexual assault needed a change.” campus or how unsafe they feel, along with She also talked about what the word “con- what they think the university would do to sent” actually means. respond to sexual assault and their beliefs on “Yes means yes, no means no, and maybe obtaining consent,” Midgett said. needs clarification,” Walden Cole said. Although every student had the opportuAmong the estimated 100 students that at- nity to take the survey, only 15 percent actutended Walden Cole’s talk was Mica Schnei- ally completed it. der, business freshman. “I got the notification “Everything Mrs. Cole said about the survey, but I just spoke to me on every level. I didn’t have the time to fill it all didn’t even know there was out,” psychology freshman Lila Sexual Assault Awareness iana Cruz said. “I don’t think Month until now,” Schneider a survey sent to every student said. “I can’t speak for everywith an e-mail will actually get one, but I know that most of everyone to take it.” us had not been talked about According to Midgett, the what sexual assault really is unsurvey has been sent out more SUZETTE WALDEN COLE til today. I hope that everyone than once, and it will continGUEST SPEAKER took it seriously and underue to be sent for the next two stands it better.” years. Dean of Students Matt Park said anytime is We want to measure the changes from year good time to raise awareness and inform stuto year, and if people have a suggestion on dents about sexual assault. “Awareness and prevention take multiple how we can measure this information, then forms,” Park said. “It has to start somewhere. we’d be happy to look at that too,” Midgett Even if one person now has the knowledge to said. Schneider believes more than two days make a different decision or approach a pohave to be dedicated to sexual assault awaretentially dangerous situation differently will ness. make a difference.” “This is obviously an issue all over the Even though MSU only participated in the month-long awareness movement for two country. I don’t think that a couple of days are days, Midgett said it was a good start as a cam- enough for students to realize it can happen pus climate survey was sent three weeks ago to anyone,” Schneider said.
Pam Midgett, counseling center director, introduced sexual assault awareness speaker Suzette Walden Cole to an audience of about 100 students.
“ Yes means yes, no means no, and maybe needs clarification.”
Students close their eyes when Suzette Walden Cole, guest speaker for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, asks the audience to think of the five most important people in their lives. Some students cover their faces with their shirts as she spoke during her interactive lecture in Comanche Suites on April 11. Athletes were required to attend.
