Liberty participates in national Sexual Assault Awareness Month with tower lighting, exhibit, multiple resources

Each April at Liberty University is a timely reminder for students and others to remain actively aware of threats and to advocate for the safety of all during the nationally recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Across the nation, communities and campuses are coming together this month to raise awareness about sexual assault and emphasize the importance of prevention. As it has done in previous years, Liberty illuminated its Freedom Tower in teal (the color designated for sexual assault awareness, symbolizing trust, devotion, and healing) on Tuesday as a sign of the university’s commitment to keeping its community safe. The tower will be lit in teal every Tuesday in April. This symbolic gesture serves as a beacon of support for survivors and a reminder of the community’s collective responsibility to create a culture of consent, respect, and accountability.

Liberty’s Office of Equity and Compliance (OEC) initiated the tower lighting, events, and resources to raise awareness this month. The office is responsible for administering compliance with the university’s Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Policy, the Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy, and the Jeanne Clery Act, which includes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

To honor survivors and promote awareness, the OEC will open a “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit in the Montview Student Union lobby from April 23-25 featuring re-creations of clothing worn by survivors at the time of their assault that highlight the reality that sexual violence is never about what someone was wearing — it is about power and control. The exhibit brings awareness to victim blaming and how deeply it is rooted in society.

“Observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month on Liberty’s campus helps cultivate a safe and supportive environment for survivors and victims,” said OEC Education Specialist Anna Pittman. “Whether they find healing through our ‘What Were You Wearing?’ exhibit or take their first steps toward recovery by reporting to our office, we are here to support them.”

Students have been invited to share stories anonymously that will be portrayed during the exhibit.

OEC staff will also set up an information table in Montview Student Union on April 7, 9, 14, 16, and 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., to talk with students about SAAM and share the supportive measures they offer. Resources are also available on the OEC’s Sexual Assault Awareness webpage.

The OEC is located in DeMoss Hall 1232, an area of main campus readily accessible to students, and was constructed in a way that allows for a safe reporting environment where students and staff can feel comfortable engaging with the trained staff. The office wants all students to champion the OEC and its mission, alerting the proper authorities when they see and/or hear of reportable offenses. This is the message of the “Speak Up” campaign, which encourages students to do exactly that — speak up when they experience or witness behavior or misconduct that potentially violates Title IX policies.

“Reporting to the OEC should not be a fearful moment in a student’s life,” said Senior Vice President of University Compliance Ashley Reich. “We want them to know that we are a safe, supportive, and neutral environment. The OEC team is here to help and make our students voices heard in their time of need.”

Liberty University has spent over $10 million in recent years on significant advancements that ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff, and committed to spending an additional $2 million on new initiatives related to campus safety and security. (Read more on these wide-ranging enhancements and how the OEC plays a vital role in student success.)

To take action during SAAM and foster an informed campus community, Liberty encourages students, faculty, and staff to engage in conversations, attend events, and learn about available resources, such as the university’s Title IX office, counseling services, and prevention programs.

“Together, we can work toward a future where sexual violence is not tolerated, and every survivor feels heard, supported, and believed,” Pittman added. “Let’s stand together in support of survivors and commit to a safer, more informed campus community.”

For more information on how to submit a report of sexual misconduct, visit the Office of Equity and Compliance webpage.