News Release
Keep It Consensual: Pacific to Host a Conversation About Sex, Alcohol and Choice
(October 8, 2009) -
Experts on sexual assault will join students, staff and community members at University of the Pacific's Don and Karen DeRosa University Center Ballroom on Oct. 29 for a day-long discussion on consent and sex. Nationally recognized campus safety expert Brett Sokolow, Pacific law professor Ruth Jones and Joelle Gomez, executive director of the Women's Center of San Joaquin County, are among the many guest speakers and panelists.
They will talk about definitions of consent and sexual assault, how alcohol and drugs affect consent, intoxication and victimization, and bystander responsibilities. The event is free and open to the public.
"Sexual misconduct comprises a 'silent epidemic' on most college campuses," said Elizabeth Griego, vice president for Student Life at Pacific. "Nationally, these crimes are drastically under-reported and difficult to discuss and confront as a campus community. We are hoping that by having this symposium, we will start an ongoing dialogue that will extend through the University and into the community."
"Keep It Consensual" is co-sponsored by the University of the Pacific Division of Student Life and Gender Studies Department, Delta College, San Joaquin Women's Center, Pacific Women's Resource Center and Stockton Police Department. The programs may be attended without registration. Participants may attend the entire program or individual programs that match their interests.
The day is constructed as a series of campus conversations that explore the topics of consent (what it is, how it works, and how it is communicated), alcohol and drugs (and how they impact consent), intoxication victimization (and how it differs from incapacitation), and bystander responsibilities. Participants will be taught to recognize predatory behaviors in others and will be equipped with skills, resources, and campus contacts to confront, report, and prevent sexual harassment and assault.
Events during the day include two showings of the Oscar-nominated film "Doubt," several open-discussion panels on consent and best practices for universities to prevent sexual assault, a lecture on how the law views rape, and a discussion on the role of the bystander in helping prevent assaults. The schedule is online.
