The Penn State Gender Equity Center will continue its week of activities to support sexual assault victims and spread awareness for a safer campus. After receiving a $30,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office “It’s On Us” program, the center worked with other offices, including the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Health Promotion and Wellness and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, to create enlightening and dynamic workshops.

Battling issues of relationship violence, sexual assault, and discrimination on campus, the upcoming Week of Action sends a clear message to every member of the Penn State community—it’s on us to change the narrative, support survivors, and take a stance against sexual violence as a generation.

Throughout the week, students can participate in a variety of interactive, peer-led workshops. Covering a range of complex topics, each workshop provides the opportunity to demonstrate an individual commitment to a safer, more inclusive campus.

Three workshops will be offered at different times throughout the week at many locations on campus. Registration is required prior to each event. Students will also receive a free “It’s On Us” t-shirt as supplies last.

Sexual Citizenship

Within this interactive conversation, students are offered the opportunity to discuss boundaries, consent, and relationships in a safe environment. Led by mentors, participants are encouraged to practice these conversations in the workshop for clear communication and enhanced sexual safety.

This event will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, in Thomas 216, from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in Wagner 305, and from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in Henderson 18.

Beyond The Binary

Through this workshop, students can learn the importance of representation of the LGBTQ+ community as well as intervention tools for bystanders to act against injustice. Within this program, students will be challenged to address issues of societal power and privilege as well as prevent gender-based bullying and sexual violence on campus.

This workshop will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, in Willard 367, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, in Thomas 215, from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in Sackett 107, and from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, February 25, in Health and Human Development Building 359.

Gender, Race, & Power

During this event, students will discover the underlying complexities of identity, repression, and violence in the modern generation. With discussions of sexual violence as a means of oppression, the workshop will highlight the struggle of victims and marginalized communities. Additionally, students can learn more about the university’s commitment to ending sexual violence on campus through Penn State’s reporting policies and procedures.

This event will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, in Sackett 207 and from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, February 25, in Boucke 106.

If unable to attend an event during the week, students can also request an “It’s On Us” program for a class, club, or organization on campus.