During the week of April 10, York hosted “It’s On Us” week in order to educate York students and raise awareness about sexual assault on college campuses.

“It’s On Us” is a national campaign aimed at organizing events to change the culture around campus sexual assault. According to the “It’s On Us” website, the specific goals of the campaign are:

“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.

To CREATE an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.”

This campaign was brought to York thanks to the dedicated work of Kyra Stanton and Katie Wegmann, juniors.

“I’ve always been very passionate about this issue, and I was trying to find ways that I could get involved,” said Kyra Stanton, junior. “I believe that this campaign can be very unifying once people see how much it affects everyone. I strongly believe that everyone, male or female, Democrat or Republican, is faced with this issue. If you have friends, relatives, siblings, even your mother, you can entirely be affected by this.”

Throughout the week, various activities took place in order for students to take the pledge against sexual assault. This included students signing a banner in the Commons to signify their pledge against sexual assault and students wearing teal ribbons to show their support for sexual assault victims.

Additionally, Karen O’Connor, a sexual assault nurse at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, visited York on April 11 to give a presentation for Erin’s Law, which mandates that Illinois public schools must implement a child sexual abuse program to be taught to all students from preschool through 12th grade.

According to RAINN.org, one in six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime; unfortunately, the likelihood of being sexually assaulted is greater while in college. One in 5 women and one in 16 men will be sexually assaulted on a college campus.

Ms. DiTomasso, EMPOWER club sponsor and social studies teacher, stresses the importance of students knowing their power in taking a stand against sexual assault.

“[Students] should take away the power they have to control their own bodies, there is no need to succumb to media or peer pressure,” said Ms. DiTomasso. “It is literally on us to spread the word that we are all responsible for a safe community and planet. This starts with education and choosing to stand up to injustice where you see it.  Don’t be a bystander.”

While the “It’s On Us” week has ended, York students can still be vigilant in working to prevent sexual assault.

“Students can always take the pledge to make a personal commitment to help keep women and men safe from sexual assault on itsonus.org,” said Kyra Stanton. “There is also an absolutely amazing documentary on Netflix right now called ‘The Hunting Ground’ that I highly recommend. It’s very educational on how sexual assault is treated in colleges and what colleges have which policies.”