On March 7, the York community will be asked to unite to "take back our campus".
In the wake of the series of sexual assaults near the campus late last year, the Take Back Our Campus event is designed to address students’ and others’ concerns about safety. The event, organized by the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Support Line (SASSL), will feature speakers from a variety of organizations on campus, performers, and information booths that will allow students to learn more about sexual assault and safety on campus. Organizations involved include OPIRG York, TBLGAY, York Federation of Students, goSAFE, the Centre for Women and Trans People, and Wen-Do (women’s self-defence).
SASSL will also be conducting a survey to determine how safe people feel on campus. This survey will be used to address the York community and administration about the issue of safety on campus.
SASSL is a student-run service on campus that is speaking out about the sexual assaults and taking an active and cooperative role in trying to protect, inform and aid all York community members in wake of the incidents. SASSL’s primary mandate is to provide 24-hour support through its crisis line, as well as to educate, promoting safety and awareness, on the York campus.
The event will be held at the Student Centre Food Court on March 7, from 1:30 to 4pm. For any questions and for further information, contact SASSL by phone at ext.40345, by e-mail at sassl@yorku.ca, or stop by its Student Centre office at B449.
SASSL’s 24-hour support line can be reached at 416-650-8056.