DSU Participates in United Against Sexual Assault Day

Delaware State University has joined with other Delaware institutions of higher education to make a statement against incidents of sexual assaults.

The Title IX coordinators of the state of Delaware made Sept. 28 “ United Against Sexual Assault Day” in which all of the Delaware higher education entities – Delaware State University, the University of Delaware, Delaware Technical and Community College, Wilmington University, Wesley College and Goldey Beacom College – distributed teal-colored wristbands and educated their respective campuses to nail home that message.

At DSU, members of the Hornet men and women’s track teams volunteered their time to distribute the wristband and man an information table at the MLK Student Center. In addition to educating DSU students on the issue, they had their own version of the game “Jeopardy,” the answers of which pertained to the topic of sexual assault and harassment prevention.

Carlos Young, a freshman member of the track team, said that he and his fellow volunteers tried to get the point across that such crime should be reported.

“If you see something, you should say something,” Mr. Young said.

Cameron Burgess, also a freshman on the track team, said sexual assault and harassment is a serious issue. “You really can’t take it as a joke,” he said. “These things really do happen.”

During the day, the volunteers got more than 100 students to pledge a “bystander” – to be someone who would help others not to be a victim of sexual assault or harassment.

Officers of the DSU Police Department also go in the act by wearing teal t-shirts underneath their uniform in support.

“We are so proud of the Men and Women’s Track teams that help to recruit the bystanders and gave momentum to the campaign,” said Candy Young, associate vice president of Student Affairs.  “DSU is such an awesome community because we believe in our students, faculty, staff, and administration.”

DSU will continue the education campaign through Oct. 5.