The University of Mary Washington is hosting several events as part of its “Yes is the Key” campaign, designed to halt gender-based violence. The week’s activities, which began Monday, Nov. 10, are free and open to the public.
“UMW’s ‘Yes is the Key’ campaign will raise awareness of sexual assault and relationship violence on campus and help begin to prevent future instances of sexual assault,” said Leah Cox, special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion.
On Monday, Nov. 10, “Got Consent?” highlighted that consent is a necessity for all sexual encounters. Students were invited to meet at Campus Walk outside of Lee Hall between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to take the pledge to never condone, commit or stay silent about relationship or sexual violence. T-shirts were available for students who took the pledge.
The White Ribbon Campaign takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 12. During this initiative, spearheaded by Campus Police, men are encouraged to wear a white ribbon to signify that they are pledging to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
In the concluding activity, from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov. 14, interested individuals can leave a hand print on Campus Walk outside of Lee Hall and join in the conversation about how to end gender violence.
For more information on this campaign and the events, please visit www.umw.edu/yesisthekey.