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SisterReach Stands with Rhodes College Students
Against Sexual Violence on Campus
(MEMPHIS, TN) APRIL 23, 2016 - SisterReach stands in solidarity with Students Against Sexual Violence (SASV) and victims of sexual assault at Rhodes College as demands for a zero-tolerance policy around sexual violence and the need for a Campus Advocacy Center have gone improperly addressed by campus administration.
"When sexual assault victims are ignored, a dangerous precedent is set in motion which communicates to their offenders that there are no and will be no disciplinary repercussions for their crimes. This precedent is not only dangerous, but perpetuates a culture of violence and possibly irreversible negative impact to the physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of students. Who wants to live and learn in a place where you know you will be raped without consequence?" said Cherisse Scott, founder and CEO of SisterReach.
"If the mission of any institute of higher learning is to prepare their students to be assets for our future, then cavalier regard for students' demand regarding their sexual health safety and well-being must be a top priority. Failing to properly address sexual violence on campus has the potential to affect anyone who is on Rhodes College's campus at any time. Further, without an advocacy plan in place, opportunities for internal prevention or even intervention for this type of violence becomes a missed opportunity. As a parent,community partner and rape survivor, I expect Rhodes College to take this seriously." said Scott.
SisterReach urges the Administration of Rhodes College to carefully consider the fallout of ignoring student demands for a safer campus environment."O
ur hope is that Rhodes College not only accepts students' demands, but becomes a model for other local and state based colleges and universities to what the social culture an institution of higher learning should look like." said Scott.
Until then, we urge our supporters to
sign the petition
created by the SASV and support their efforts to fight for the reproductive justice of Rhodes College's students fighting to end sexual violence on their campus.
Cherisse Scott can be scheduled for interviews at cherisse@sisterreach.org
SisterReach is a 501c3 grassroots organization which educates and advocates for women and girls of color, poor women and rural women through the human rights framework of Reproductive Justice. SisterReach works to empower women to be advocates for themselves, lead healthy lives, have healthy families and in safe and sustainable communities. www.sisterreach.org
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