This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at La Verne chapter.

Hey Loves,

So, I had some inspiration and I just felt that it was very important to share this information to you guys. In todays news outlets, social media, friends of fiends, we hear about the dangers of sexual assault. Unfortunately, it is very common and comes in the most subtle forms.

One of my professors on campus informed us about a conference she attended over the weekend, and in a class discussion we mentioned how many professors have a lot of power in academia. Let alone they are able to abuse that power and take advantage of students.

It is so very important to know that you as a person are so important in this world, and have a beautiful light, and no one has the right to take advantage of you— no one has the right to take your light, and we should not let them. Not anymore.

It is unfair and disgusting that being a student in a place where you should feel safe are not. You should be able to talk and be yourself and not feel like you have to watch your every move, and face unjust consequences.

In some cases, graduate students can face hard times from their professors especially if they are their abusers, rapist, harasser etc. These people who hold these high chairs have so much power in their hands. They can decide your grades, your research, extend your time in school, postpone your graduation, even affect your college career and real world career. And it sucks because you are faced in a situation debating whether to quit this career that you have went to school for (4+ years), spent thousands of dollars to attend and major in your field, and put in that time to have a better life and do what you love to do. So you’re in a predicament trying to decipher what your move should be whether that being to pick up and leave it all or to stay and suffer in silence. What do you do? Is it worth it? Why does this happen?

So, let me go share some important information with you all that I am sure you are unaware of. Every campus by law has a Title IX officer on duty and on campus.

What is Title IX you ask?

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

-Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 to the 1964 Civil Rights Act

On your school website there should be a resource for Title IX and it should have everything you need to know. In regards of reporting and confidentiality, victims/survivors of sexual assault, policies, definitions and examples, report incident reports, filing a complaint resources.

My loves if you are faced in a situation where you believe you are a victim of any of these crimes on campus by someone of your peers, a stranger, or admin please do say something! And report it! You don’t need to feel ashamed, or have any fear! We will together take down these predatory humans and receive the justice we deserve. But you know sis, if you do not feel comfortable or just simply cannot, it is okay. We are here for you and hear to help you. We love you sis. Get the help you need, and do not fear to seek help when you are ready.

Did You Know Every School Had This?

We wanna slide into your DMs