Updated March 6, 2021, at 1:46 p.m.
Correction March 5 at 1:03 p.m.: The program will consist of two 90 minute sessions, not two 20 minute sessions. It will also take place virtually, not in-person. Jurgens is the class of 2022 president, not a senator. Elon News Network regrets these errors.
Elon University’s Student Government Association approved a bill to create a gender based violence prevention pilot program for the student body.
SGA authorized $19,000 from its reserve fund for the creation of a gender based violence prevention pilot program for Elon students.
Class of 2022 President and Chief of Staff Hailey Jurgens and Religious and Spiritual Life Senator Ellen Fiedler gave a presentation about the program. They spoke about various incidents that have happened on Elon’s campus, and why this program is necessary.
Elon’s office of inclusive excellence noticed reports involving sexual contact that starts off consensual but continued without consent. Jurgens said these reports show a lack of understanding consent.
Jurgens and Fiedler decided to create a pilot program that various student organizations and individuals can participate in, which will help raise awareness about gender based violence.
The program will consist of two, 90 minute long sessions that must be attended within one to four weeks. The program will be held in virtually.
The first part of the program will identify various acceptable and unacceptable terms, discuss cultural norms about cultural violence as well as give examples of student violence.
The second part of the program will focus on prevention scenarios students can use if they are ever in an uncomfortable situation. This will equip students with an action plan.
Jurgens said that the goal for this program is to have at least 20% of the Elon student body participate and to collect data on the effectiveness of the program.
Molly Marcotte and Michael McShane, who were introduced at the meeting, will be brought on as consultants.
“It’s impossible to wake up in the morning and not want to do violence prevention work,” Marcotte said.