In a special forum on sexual assault, the university’s public service announcement, an extension of the “It’s On Us” campaign, was unveiled to more than 250 students, mostly student athletes.

“We want our community to learn appropriate ways about how to stand up, speak out, and safely intervene as we work towards ending sexual assault and domestic violence,” said Dr. Vivian Barnette, executive director of Counseling Services. 

“It’s On Us” is a national campaign aimed at fundamentally shifting the way people think and talk about sexual assault. The campaign seeks to reframe the conversation surrounding sexual assault in a way that empowers, educates and engages college students to do something, big or small, to prevent it.

“It is my belief that when we are accountable, intentional and comprehensive in our work, we can create a culture that is free of sexual violence,” Barnette said.

As an extension of Counseling Services and the university’s commitment to stopping sexual assault on N.C. A&T’s campus, Counseling Services staff has trained all new and incoming students on sexual assault and ways to be an active bystander.

The commitment does not end with students. The university continues to act diligently to adhere to Title IX requirements that include providing training and new policies for sexual misconduct on campus that involves everyone – students and employees, said Linda Mangum, Title IX coordinator, director of employee relations and affirmative action officer.

“N.C. A&T considers sexual misconduct to be one of the most serious violations of the values and standards of the university. Unwelcome sexual contact of any form is a violation of (the victim’s) personal integrity and their right to a safe environment,” Mangum said.

“All members of the university community have an obligation to act responsibly in the realm of sexuality and to recognize and challenge any sexual misconduct.”

To view the university’s public service announcement, visit the YouTube channel.