It’s almost funny to me that so much misinformation about sexual assault resources was published out of an office literally around the corner from the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center.
Almost.
But it’s not. It’s not funny that The Maneater published an editorial about sexual assault with a cute headline. It’s not funny that in 469 words the RSVP Center isn’t mentioned once. From reading this editorial, you would think that the center doesn’t even appear in MSA’s “Enough is Enough” video. It’s not funny that The Maneater calls for action by listing resources already in place through the RSVP Center.
Do we need “sexual assault prevention training”? This training already exists. RSVP’s Green Dot Conference is next Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the BCC. Members of MSA usually come. I’ve never seen The Maneater there.
Do we need a sexual assault class? I took it last year. The RSVP Center offers a three-credit class every spring that puts students through intensive training on issues related to relationship and sexual violence. At the end of the semester, students become certified to give presentations throughout the community. They’re called RSVP Educators, and they give presentations to anyone at request.
“Spread more awareness about Green Dot” is a great idea. So great that the RSVP Center is actually already taking care of it. Green Dot Day was last week at Lowry Mall. Maneater reporters stopped by to ask questions. RSVP is also tabling at pretty much every resource fair and event in addition to hosting events such as Denim Day and The White Ribbon Campaign.
The “resources” called for in this editorial exist within crawling distance of The Maneater. People on this campus have dedicated their lives to these issues, and it’s insulting to them to publish an editorial that pretends like the resources they’ve built don’t even exist for the MU community. You want education? Start with yourselves.
— Rachel Swinney, senior,