The Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalition held its first meeting of the ’18-’19 academic year on Tuesday. Led by Vice President of University Relations and Coalition Chairwoman, Kylie Clancy ’20, the meeting is the first of three to take place throughout the Fall Semester. Their objective: to collaborate clubs and organizations on campus and promote discussions and actions taken to improve sex positivity and sexual health.
The meeting began at 8 p.m. in the Winston Room, as attendants started off by introducing themselves, their preferred pronoun and the clubs and campus organizations they represent. In attendance were members of SLU EMS, the Women’s Resource Center, Carefree Black Girls, Advocates, Stand By Me, Male Athletes Against Sexual Violence, the Pre-Health Club and SLU Planned Parenthood Generation Action. Together they discussed upcoming initiatives such as creating posters to help students distinguish between confidential and mandated reporters of sexual assault and domestic violence on campus. The posters are set to be hung throughout all first-year dorms by early next week.
Members also considered the upcoming musical, “Spring Awakening”, as a way to further publicize the Coalition’s initiatives. Women’s Resource Center Theme House Coordinator, Quinn Audsley ’20, suggested using the production’s playbill to advertise the various on-campus resources offered by member clubs and organizations. Such efforts are especially applicable considering the show’s themes of sexual assault, domestic violence and transparency about sexual education. The production is scheduled for Nov. 6-11 during Purple Week.
The Coalition equally contemplated efforts to encourage Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing among students and break the stigma of getting tested. “St. Lawrence County has one of the highest rates of STI’s in all of New York state, yet students typically don’t go to the health center for testing. This may be due to the cost of getting tested. Thus, we are exploring avenues to host events or promotions to reduce the price,” said Clancy.
Clancy additionally noted the Coalition uses the NY-6 chatline to share and gain ideas from schools throughout New York. The forum currently includes Colgate University, Hamilton College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Skidmore College, Union College and St. Lawrence University.
Though the SA/DV Coalition was originally created by former Student Life Chair Maya Williams ’16, past issues of leadership and disorganization caused the Coalition to be discontinued.
However, upon taking her position on the Thelmo Executive Board, Clancy was approached by Director of Health and Counseling Services Tim Corbitt about potentially reestablishing the Coalition. From there, Clancy gathered a mix of Thelmo members and relevant clubs and organizations to brainstorm ways to reboot the Coalition.
“It was difficult at first,” said Clancy. “But through the help of (Student Life Chair) Cece Rooney ’20, (Advocates President) Alexandra Nicoletti ’19, (Advocates Vice President) Nicole Williams ’19 and many more, we were able to synthesize a collective prompt addressing sexual assault and domestic violence on our campus.” Upon reinstatement, representatives of the Coalition hosted floor meetings in first-year dorms to inform students of the accessible resources their clubs and organizations offer.
“I believe our campus will benefit from more collaborative efforts and crucial discussions,” said Clancy. “The Coalition’s efforts are even more important in light of the Kavanuagh confirmation process. We are focused on supporting survivors and all those affected. There are also amazing initiatives, such as writing and calling Senators, that are being run by St. Lawrence alumni. I also encourage everyone to take the time to practice self-care and promote empowerment to our fellow peers.”
All students and organizations are encouraged to join the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalition. The Coalition’s next meeting is set to take place Nov. 6 in the Winston Room at 8 P.M.