West Virginia University is joining colleges across the United States in discussing and addressing prevalence of sexual assault on campus.

During April, which is sexual assault awareness month, members of the University community will discuss issues that contribute to a culture of hostility on campus.

“It’s a concern many women in higher education have about hostile work and learning environments, which is reflected in high incidences of sexual violence on campuses across the country,” said Jena Martin, professor in the College of Law and one of the organizers of the event.

“We want to have a thoughtful conversation on climate here at West Virginia University to address any current issues and work toward future solutions,” she said.

The panel will feature members of the University community across various disciplines:

Deb Beazley, sexual assault counselor, WellWVU.
Erica Bentley, chair, Council for Women’s Concerns.
Walter S. DeKeseredy, professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology and director, Research Center on Violence.
• Julia Durbin, Spectrum.
Kendra Fershee, College of Law.
David Fryson, vice president, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
James Goins, Title IX coordinator, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Cynthia Gorman, Department of Geology and Geography and Center for Women and Gender Studies.
• Taylor Graham, president, Women’s Leadership Council, College of Law.
Brian Jara, Center for Women and Gender Studies.
• Ashley Morgan, vice president, Student Government Association.
Jennifer Orlikoff, chair, Center for Women and Gender Studies; president, Faculty Senate.
• Elizabeth Parsons, West Virginia National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health.
Bob Roberts, chief, WVU Police.
• Benjamin Seebaugh, LGBTQ Center.
• Samantha Shimer, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
• Alison Tartaglia, WELLWVU.
• Wes Thomas, male engagement specialist, WELLWVU.

The forum will discuss issues ranging from violence against women to bullying and resources available for victims of sexual violence on April 23 at 6 p.m. The free event, which is open to the University community, will be held in the Shenandoah Room of the Mountainlair. The Critical Conversations Series was made possible by a grant from the Higher Education Policy Commission. Refreshments will be served.

-WVU-

cn/04/14/15

CONTACT: Jena Martin; College of Law
304.293.0899; Jena.Martin@mail.wvu.edu

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