Students gathered for pizza, prizes, conversations about consent
In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Karey Barnes, the director of Student Conduct and Community Standards, led a discussion on consent on April 11.
Barnes arranged several chairs in a circle and placed a carpet with a few items in the middle; students then sat in a chair surrounding the various objects.
Participants could choose which object they identified with most as a talking stick to give everyone a chance to speak without interruption.
Barnes provided a safe environment for students and attendees to share their personal stories involving consent and coercion.
An individual shared their insight on how Hispanic culture has altered people’s idea of consent.
“I grew up in the Valley, and many men came from machismo backgrounds that set up expectations that women must tend to their male partners’ every need. Men expect women to prepare meals and put out,” Jane Doe* said.
The media has also played its part in influencing society and how people respect the concept of consent.
“There is this popular TikTok trend where mostly heterosexual couples participate in. The video is usually recorded at a restaurant after the two have eaten dinner, and then the man receives the bill and is presented with the option to split the bill or pay the full amount. Then the man asks his female partner if she plans to have sex with him,” Jane Doe* said.
The TikTok trend implies that engaging in sexual activity can be used as a payment method.
“I wish we could have more male participation from students on campus. I hope we can eventually include their perspective in this conversation,” Barnes said.
Tasha Ann Clark, Title IX coordinator, informed attendees of the statistics of sexual assault cases in the LGBTQIA+ Community.
“LGBT people are four times more likely to experience violence than their straight counterparts,” Clark said.
The Purple Door also attended the event to speak about the services they provide for survivors of sexual assault and violence. Services included are hospital accompaniment during a Medical Forensic Exam, safety planning, transportation to a safe shelter and referrals to community resources.
If you or someone you know is seeking help, please call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 361-881-8888 or 1-800-580-4878 (HURT).
*Names have been changed to protect victims’ privacy.