This protest seeks to actively disrupt the University of Michigan’s complacency in handling issues of sexual assault on this campus. To the administration: students are taking action because it is time our voices are heard.
THESE ARE OUR DEMANDS.
1. We demand a mandatory, unified training system for all incoming students regarding sexual assault to be completed BEFORE coming to campus. The new training must have a clear focus on consent, include bystander intervention, explain university policies and procedures regarding sexual assault, and use gender inclusive language. A failure to complete the training must result in unenrollment.
2. All affiliated fraternity, sorority, and cooperative houses must have a sign with a comprehensive definition of consent in their common areas.
3. Athlete and non-athlete students must be held in the same regard and held accountable for their actions. Athletics, despite its autonomy from the University, must have concrete and well-known policies in place to respond to instances of sexual violence.
4. All DPS, faculty, and staff must undergo extremely thorough sexual assault prevention and response training that is comprehensive and unified across all departments. The current, surface-level training is not enough.
5. Survivors of sexual violence must have the option for the perpetrator to be expelled from the University of Michigan.
6. Support must increase for survivors of sexual violence. Support can include, but is not limited to, immediate counseling and removal of the perpetrator from communities surrounding the survivor. Sources of support must be accessible and well-advertised. While SAPAC exists, it is only a start.
7. All input regarding sexual assault awareness policies must center the needs and voices of survivors and experts. Other communities, specifically underrepresented groups and minorities, must be included in all conversations. No group on this campus may be silenced.
Out of respect for the survivors and allies behind this action, please do not disturb or obstruct this statement on the Diag or any other statements made. We have been silenced for long enough.
This piece and the action have been done anonymously by survivors and allies. Please respect our anonymity, voice, and reasons behind this action.