The Office of Campus Compliance and Civility is creating a McNeese chapter of “It’s On Us” to promote healthy relationships and peer support on campus.
According to the organization’s website, “It’s On Us” is a United States non-profit program dedicated to college sexual assault prevention. The program originally began as a public awareness campaign started by the Obama-Biden administration in September 2014 to help combat and prevent sexual assault.
“The goal is that it would help campus compliance and civility to be more proactive rather than reactive” in supporting students, said Dr. Krisshunn Youngblood, director of McNeese’s Office of Campus Compliance and Civility. She said another goal would be to “enhance and engage with other student organizations.”
Youngblood said planned programming would teach students about Title IX, power-based violence, sexual assault prevention, appropriate conduct in relationships, setting boundaries in intimate relationships and with friends, and what good relationships should look like among students and faculty.
Youngblood and campus compliance assistant Taylor Cousin will oversee the organization, she said. Their office is currently assembling a faculty and staff group that would include a member of the police department; Dr. Meghan Olinger, the dean of Student Support and Advocacy or a member of her office; and one or two additional people to serve as confidential liaisons.
Senior business major Jazmin Winford said she is in favor of the idea behind the organization.
“I think it makes it easier for students to talk about issues bothering them instead of having to go to someone in a higher rank,” Winford said. “There would be less barriers, which would serve more as a safe space.”
Valerie Russell, a sophomore majoring in agricultural science, shared a similar opinion.
“Sometimes it’s easier for students to open up or ask questions when they’re speaking to someone who shares their experiences and perspective,” said Russell.
According to Youngblood, students only need to have a genuine interest in order to join. Training will be provided to members through the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility, and on a national level students could get certified as peer advocates.
Students interested in being part of this organization should contact the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility at the Burton Business Center, Room 407, or at 337 475 5428.
