When most people hear the words football and abuse in the same sentence, they cover their ears and run for the hills. The topics have been serious issues for both the NFL and college football recently, especially in light of several high profile cases.

Former Philadelphia Eagle and College Football Hall of Fame member Don McPherson will use his experience and status in the sports world to bring attention to and support these issues when he speaks in the HUB’s Freeman Auditorium March 2.

The event, sponsored by the Center for Women Students and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, will focus on positive language and understanding the masculine identity in order to cut down on sexual and domestic violence. McPherson, an All-American quarterback at Syracuse, has given speeches about topics ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to bullying and abuse since 1986. In 1995, he began focusing on “men’s violence against women” and has since spoken at over 250 college campuses, being recognized as a leader in domestic and sexual abuse prevention.

McPherson has won numerous awards for his activism and has also worked with organizations like the Ms. Foundation for Women and the U.S. National Committee for UN Women to further his cause.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free to all students.

Photo: DonaldMcPherson.com