by Jihad Yarber
Oswego, NY- April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.
According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), 11% of college students experience rape or sexual assault on campus. Oswego State educates those on campus about how to assess these situations through Title IX training.
Title IX is a section of the federal Education Amendments Act of 1972 that prevents sexual discrimination in colleges. Discrimination includes sexual harassment, assault, and rape.
Title IX training is required for many clubs, organizations, and employers on campus. It goes through the basics of sexual harassment training and how to avoid being a bystander.
Oswego State student Alyssa Barrett says the Title IX training provided on campus is beneficial.
“I feel like it was beneficial, not just for organizations or jobs. I think the video they show was effective. I think it’s important just to know about it in general,” she said.
Fraternities and sororities on campus must also go through the Title IX training in order to spread awareness about sexual harassment and assault to incoming members.
“Greek life honestly has a bad reputation,” Kappa Sigma president Steven Gerencser said. “People just think that we’re drinking clubs and all we do is take advantage of girls and do all that stuff, but I think it’s good because it shows we don’t just do that, it’s not the stereotypes. We care about people and it’s good we’re teaching our pledges that.”
Both Barrett and Gerencser feel the training is an excellent step to assure their wellbeing.