Division News & Statements
Update on recent notices regarding off-campus assaults and safety
September 28, 2016
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
By now you may have received the most recent alert about an additional reported off-campus assault. While we recognize that most sexual assaults on college campuses are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, we have had multiple reports of stranger assaults at nearby off-campus locations. We want all Lakers to be aware of these assaults and know that the university, in collaboration with Grand Valley Police Department and Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating these incidents, as well as, supporting victims.
Let us be clear, the perpetrator is the only person responsible for a sexual assault. Although it is never the fault of the victim, due to the nature of these reports, we encourage all Grand Valley students to be aware of their surroundings and take extra safety precautions. This may look different to different people and peer groups. It may mean checking in with friends more frequently, participating in ride shares, walking in groups to and from activities, or having a roommate plan about locking doors and windows. We also encourage you to be an active bystander. If you see something, say something. If you know anything about the current reported incidents, please call the Grand Valley Police Department at (616) 331-3255 or the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office at (800) 249-0911.
We also invite you to join our Victim Advocate, Ashley Schulte, and leaders from Student Senate, Eyes Wide Open, and Greeks Against Sexual Assault for an action and activist based Town Hall discussion about college sexual assault on Thursday, September 29th at 5:30 p.m. in Kirkhof Center Area 51. We want to have an open conversation about safety, rape culture, and what we can do about it. For those seeking support, our Co-Advocates will host space at the same time at the LGBT Resource Center, 1161 Kirkhof.
We firmly believe that the strength of our community lies in our care and concern for each other. Please take good care of yourselves and your fellow Lakers.
Respectfully,
Eileen G. Sullivan, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Student Affairs and
Dean of Students
Jesse Bernal, Ph.D.
Vice President for Inclusion and Equity