'Sexual Assault And Harassment Are Real': Bentley University SGA

Waltham MA

01 November, 2021

1:30 PM

Description

WALTHAM, MA — Bentley University's Student Government Association has addressed public reports of sexual misconduct on campus, releasing a list of demands proposed to the university to enact change. The demands come after Bentley announced new initiatives to combat sexism and sexual assault, including increased accessibility of resources, specialized training for staff, clarity on employee reporting responsibilities, a review of current policies, and expanded partnerships. However, the SGA's idea of change greatly expands on anything released by the university to date and its members have questioned university decisions surrounding sexual assault in the recent past. "Student Government Association is committed to fostering an environment free from the threat of sexual assault, while actively responding to the needs of those affected by sexual assault," said Bentley's SGA in a news release. "We stand with and support survivors of sexual assault in every way and believe that stories of survivors should be shared and not silenced." The SGA released the following list of demands to Bentley administrators: Bentley Athletics should release a statement that acknowledges and condemns acts of sexual violence.Bentley University Administration should provide an explanation as to why Jacob Acker was permitted to walk for the commencement ceremony and included in the 2021 NE-10 Academic Honor Roll, which was released approximately 6 months after the incident had occurred.Student Government Association is planning to request that representatives from Bentley University Administration meet with them in the next coming week to promptly discuss this matter and review these proposed demands.Bentley University should require a record of off campus locations of fraternity and sports houses to improve the responses to incidents of sexual violence.And another list of demands to Bentley students: Each and every one should hold their peers—fellow club members, teammates, brothers and sisters, etc.—accountable for their words and actions.Each student organization executive board should collect signatures from their members, endorsing these demands.Please send the completed petition to us, and Student Government Association will send them collectively to the Office of Student AffairsPlease feel free to email us your thoughts and comments in the meantime. Student Government Association is currently working on anonymous feedback platforms that can be utilized to share your thoughts.Each and every one should intervene when you see someone in need. Seemingly trivial situations, such as an individual standing against a wall with another individual cornering them, still need intervention – talk to the cornered individual and give them an out.According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 26.4% of female undergrads and 6.8% of male undergrads report rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation during their time in college. "Our school must become a safer place for all, and we must come together to enact change in the spaces around us to realize the mission of fostering a safe Bentley community," said the SGA. "We must change and we must demand change." For more information about Bentley's current resources for those affected by sexual violence, click here.