UNC Joins "It's On Us" Campaign Against Sexual Assault
November 17, 2014 | General, Carolina Outreach
The UNC Department of Athletics and Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) have joined the nationwide effort to put an end to sexual assault by participating in the “It's On Us” initiative. The campaign was launched by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden to address and combat the growing problem of sexual assault at colleges and universities around the country.
“Carolina Athletics is proud to support the 'It's On Us' initiative, and join other NCAA member schools in this effort to change the way we think about sexual assault,” said UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. “We encourage our student-athletes to take a leadership role in all facets of their lives, and this is just one area in which stepping up and speaking out can really make a difference.”
“It's On Us” is a cultural movement aimed at fundamentally shifting the way people think about sexual assault by establishing a sense of ownership over the problem, and providing tips, tools and inspiration to empower everyone to make a difference every day. The initiative asks men and women to be part of the solution by taking the pledge.
As part of the “It's On Us” National Week of Action, UNC is hosting events and activities to raise awareness and encourage others to end sexual assault. To kick off the week of action, UNC has released an “It's On Us” PSA video featuring student-athletes speaking out against sexual assault and encouraging others to take the pledge.
Chaniel Nelson, a senior on the volleyball team, said the “It's On Us” campaign resonates with her and the mission of S.W.A.G. (Something We Athletes Got), a student-athlete run group that educates and informs peers about responsible social living and health issues that affect the campus community through awareness and influential behavior.
“The “It's On Us” campaign is another reminder that all of us, including student-athletes, have a role to play in stopping sexual assault,” said Nelson. “I'm glad that UNC student-athletes are coming together to raise awareness.”
Along with the video, UNC SAAC will be hosting pledge drives in the Loudermilk Center for Excellence throughout the week, and on Friday, November 21, student-athletes will be joining the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office along with other organizations on campus for the University Pledge Day in the pit from 10am to 2pm.
Be sure to follow @UNC_SAAC for week of action coverage. For more information or to take the pledge to be part of the solution, visit itsonus.org
