“It’s On Us” Campaign Raises Student Awareness
Students stand together after signing the “It’s On Us” pledge
By Leah McCann, Contributing Writer
Gettysburg College’s Title IX “It’s On Us” pledge, which began this Monday Sep. 27 and already has 270 signatures as of Sep. 29, begins a new movement toward campus-wide awareness about violence prevention that brings students and faculty together. It is not only a sign of progress but also a symbol of hope for a safer future.
Gettysburg College Sexual Respect and Title IX Director Amanda Blaugher organized this pledge to give a voice to those impacted by sexual violence and harassment while aiming to prevent these incidents in the future.
The pledge is not limited to those who have experienced violence firsthand. Blaugher wanted to emphasize the importance of supporting someone who’s had a negative experience with misconduct.
“Everyone has the power to impact the community,” said Blaugher. “We’re saying that [sexual violence] is not going to be tolerated.”
Blaugher shared that grant funding from the state has helped to spur these types of movements into motion. Because of this generosity, more pledges and campaigns like this will continue through the rest of the semester and into the next semester.
Blaugher said, “The ‘It’s On Us’ pledge is the catalyst for change” that she hopes to see throughout campus. In order for the movement to grow, she hopes that everyone will become involved.
“We’re very happy to see this campus engagement,” Blaugher said.
The pledge will be open through the end of this week and several other times throughout this year. Blaugher hopes that this will continue to encourage awareness, support, and prevention.
