Speeches

Take Back the Night

Good evening.

I want to thank the Center for Women Students, students from Penn State Men Against Violence, and the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance for sponsoring this important, unifying event on our campus.  I also want to thank the Centre County Women’s Resource Center for opening their doors throughout this event and throughout the year to provide counseling services for those in need.

Tonight we join others around the world in support of the survivors and victims of sexual violence as we take a stand against rape and sexual assault.  Take Back the Night is a time both for healing and for being heard.  It is a time to show our support for those who are victimized by sexual violence and a time to raise awareness of this significant and troubling problem.
 
Rape remains the most underreported crime in our nation, and it is of particular concern on college campuses. Statistics indicate that college women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group  and that approximately one quarter of all college women are victims of a rape. 

The wounds inflicted by crimes of aggressive and violent dominance affect everyone in our society.  The victims are our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family members.  It is our responsibility and our obligation to work toward a solution.

Your presence here indicates that you believe we can improve the safety of our campus and build a stronger community environment.  Tonight is a time for a unified display of support.

I am grateful to the many individuals at Penn State who reach out to survivors with their personal support, assistance, and services.  The university is committed to helping the healing process in every way that we possibly can.
 
We also are committed to prevention efforts that reduce the risk of sexual assault in the Penn State community.  This includes providing a safe and secure environment. It also includes educational programming provided by staff and student peer educators in campus-based offices such as the Center for Women Students to raise awareness and promote informed decision-making.  The university cannot control all the factors that lead to sexual assault, but we intend to remain vigilant in our efforts to address this problem and educate our community about the steps that can help to prevent it.
 
We want everyone at Penn State to be able to participate fully and freely in the University without fear of sexual violence and abuse. This is a critical part of the effort to promote civility and social responsibility at Penn State.  It is a goal that has my strongest support.

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff at Penn State, I thank you all for dedicating this evening to the safety of those in our community.