Greek Life, ASG, Razorback Athletics, and University Housing Are Raising Sexual-Assault Awareness in November

Greek Life, Associated Student Government, Razorback Athletics, and University Housing are once again bringing the nationally recognized It's On Us campaign to the University of Arkansas.

The campaign started in the White House with backing from President Barrack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, and now has over 95 sponsors.

The It's On Us campaign aims to reach a broader base of the population through its pledge and awareness efforts.

It's On Us week will cover topics such a consent, bystander awareness and survivor support through tabling in the Arkansas Union and various events throughout the week. Students will be able to sign the official It's On Us pledge, which will then put their name on the pledge list on itsonus.org.

It's On Us Campaign week events include:

• Tabling everyday in the Union Mall to sign the It's On Us pledge
• Leadership Summit: Sexual Assault Awareness at 7 p.m. in the Arkansas Union, rooms 503 and 515
• New Greek Member Townhall: "Let's Talk About Consent" at 7 p.m. in the Union Ballroom
• Asking for It: Ethics & Erotics of Sexual Consent at 12 p.m. in the Arkansas Union, room 504
• Teal Talk at 7 p.m. in the Hillside Auditorium

Parice Bowser, director of Greek Life for the Division of Student Affairs, said by participating in awareness events, students begin to understand the extent of sexual violence in their communities and can start making cultural changes to stop sexual assault.

"Our goal is to continue having critical conversations about this issue," Bowser said. "When one person is affected, our whole community is affected until we stop this for good. It's on us as faculty, staff, and students to educate and empower ourselves to do something and act."

The It's On Us campaign aims to bring about a conversation that stays for more than just a week, said Lillie Pitts, director of Campus Safety for ASG.

"Sexual assault is an epidemic sweeping across the nation," Pitts said. "Under the Old Main Oath, we as students at the University of Arkansas pledge to care for and protect our fellow students. It's on Us to ensure that every student feels safe and supported and can call this campus their home."

Students participating in activism on social media should use the hashtag #ItsOnUsArkansas and can follow the week on Instagram at @uark_itsonus.