News
Hamilton athletes participate in NESCAC-wide ‘It’s On Us’ campaign
By Erich Wohl ’18
December 8, 2016
Tags news
Sexual assault is an all-too common problem on college campuses. According to Medical Daily, an egregiously high amount of people are sexually assaulted every week, with athletes being disproportionately responsible for sexual assaults on campuses across the country. While people dispute specific numbers, the reality is that any number of sexual assaults committed by or against anyone is too high. This year, in response to increasing public pressure, the NCAA Division III has launched an initiative to mitigate sexual assault on college campuses by encouraging athletes to act as role models. Hamilton College’s athletes, led by the Hamilton Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), are actively joining the fight against sexual assault by taking steps to raise awareness on campus by participating in the NCAA’s “It’s On Us” campaign.
In 2016, the NCAA has taken a stand against sexual assault with the “It’s On Us” campaign. The slogan reflects the sentiments that all members of the community should strive to be positive bystanders in situations. For the sake of creating an environment where sexual assault is unacceptable, the campaign asks that students be cognizant of potentially hazardous situations and not hesitate to intervene. According to the campaign’s website, “It’s On Us” asks students to take the following pledge: “I pledge to recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault, to identify situations in which sexual assault may occur, to intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given and to create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.” The NCAA’s official statement on the campaign is as follows: “Sexual assault and interpersonal violence on campus are important issues that impacts the well-being of the student body and the campus community. The NCAA Sport Science Institute is committed to supporting and working with campus professionals, higher education associations and subject matter experts to develop collaborative programming, resources and best practices to support campuses in creating and maintaining a safe campus environment.”
Along with our NESCAC peers, Hamilton’s athletes have made a conscious effort to stand against sexual assault. This weekend, the Hamilton SAAC participated in the NESCAC-wide ‘Time of Action’ by setting up tabling events at both the squash and swimming games. Fans were provided with “It’s on Us” t-shirts and wristbands, as well as encouraged to sign an active bystander pledge. Additionally, the athletes participating in both games were given “It’s on Us” shirts to wear throughout the day. NESCAC students from all 11 member institutions participated in a conference-wide “It’s on Us” video to demonstrate support. Hamilton’s own Lillie Simourian ’17 and Stephanie Dipietro ’18 represented our school’s support for the cause in the video.
Title IX coordinator Lisa Magnarelli said of athletes’ efforts: “The Title IX Office fully supports and endorses the NESCAC ‘Time of Action’ and ‘It’s On Us’ campaigns. Preventing sexual assault at Hamilton requires the effort and involvement of all members of our community. I am grateful that our student athletes take the issue of sexual assault seriously and have dedicated time and resources to share this message with other students.”
Earlier this year, the SAAC arranged for speakers to attend and speak to both athletes and the campus as a whole about what we can do to prevent sexual assault. When asked about how she felt the events were received on campus, SAAC co-president Darby Philbrick ’18 indicated that she was happy with the turnout for the events: “It was a great event and we were pleased to see so many students showing their support for the cause.” Along with co-president Lillie Simourian, she encouraged the rest of the NESCAC to set up similar tabling events this weekend. The event has been lauded by many as an excellent example of ways that students can take strides towards raising awareness. Cross country captain and MVP Jack Pierce ’17 agreed: “the event was a great way to raise awareness about a serious issue and it’s been good to see other athletes trying to help.”