‘It’s On Us’ Week of Action features #WhyIStayed creator

Michigan State University students, faculty and community partners will participate in several empowering and educational events during the "It’s On Us" Week of Action Oct. 21-27.

MSU hosts the events as part of its commitment to prevent, respond to and raise awareness of relationship violence and sexual misconduct (RVSM), sex and gender discrimination and sexual harassment. Victims’ rights advocate Beverly Gooden, creator of the #WhyIStayed social media movement, will hold workshops and deliver a keynote address Wednesday.

The Obama White House initiated "It’s On Us" in 2014 to encourage campus communities to take a stand against sexual violence. The national week of action each fall involves student groups and university units, and supports multiple MSU RVSM programs.

“This week is a chance for us all to understand how everyone on campus has a role in preventing sexual assault and misconduct, and to learn about support services available for those who have been affected by it,” said Rob Kent, interim associate vice president of the MSU Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance. “Michigan State has made an unprecedented commitment to prevent relationship violence and sexual misconduct, but it is ultimately on all of us to take a stand.”

Events for the week include:

• The Rock Kickoff, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22 at The Rock, Farm Lane north of the Red Cedar River
• Trauma Informed Yoga, 6:30-7:15 p.m. and 7:30-8:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, Abrams Planetarium
• Teal Out, wear teal to show support for survivors, Tuesday, Oct. 23
• Guest speaker Beverly Gooden, Wednesday, Oct. 24
  • Faculty and staff workshop 10-11 a.m., MSU Union, Lake Superior Room
  • Student workshop 1-2 p.m., MSU Union, Lake Superior Room
  • Keynote address 7-8 p.m., MSU Union, Ballroom
  • Safe space available throughout the day at the MSU Union, MSU Room
• Therapy dogs and self-care craft night, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, MSU Union, third floor
• Slam poetry, 12:30-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, International Center, Room 115

Sponsors and partners of this year’s "It’s On Us" events include Associated Students of MSU, Center for Gender in Global Context, MSU Athletics, MSU Police, MSU Sexual Assault Program, Residential and Hospitality Services, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, University Activities Board, and the MSU Residence Hall Association.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ItsOnUsMSU/.