Grand Rapids Community College’s Student Life and Conduct, Library and Learning Commons and Title IX office have teamed up to host the “Healing Through Advocacy” discussion panel from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Learning Resource Center Library, room 2, west side.
The discussion will be led by Morgan McCaul, a victim rights activist and survivor of Larry Nassar, the Michigan State University doctor convicted of violating over 300 victims. McCaul will talk about advocating for sexual assault victims and bringing about legislative and social change.
“We wanted to focus on sexual violence awareness and prevention, and that topic seemed particularly relevant in Michigan, given the recent Larry Nassar sentencing, the many women who spoke about their experiences, and the effects that we’ve witnessed at MSU,” stated Kimberly DeVries, GRCC’s Title IX coordinator, in an email to The Collegiate. ”Morgan (McCaul) is a college student who is an advocate for victims as well as a speaker on social change and legislative advocacy, so her message seems particularly relevant for us right now.”
The discussion comes to GRCC during Sexual Assault Awareness Month which is commemorated in April. The national awareness campaign focuses on educating individuals and schools on sexual assault. This year’s theme is “I ask” which surrounds consent – clarification on what it is, teaching it and the effects of power on consent.
“GRCC wanted to bring a relevant speaker to campus as part of a focus on campus safety that the Library and Learning Commons has been promoting through its speaker series this year,” DeVries stated. “It is important to bring awareness to sexual assault and violence because education is key to prevention. While we work hard to build supports for students who experience these issues, what we really want is to prevent sexual assault and violence, and that begins with educating ourselves and working to educate others on these issues – how they start, how they are perpetuated, and what action we can take to prevent sexual violence.”
Joining McCaul on the panel are DeVries, YWCA West Central Michigan Director of Clinical Services Patti Haist and Counseling and Career Development Counselor/Interim Program Director Stacey Heisler.
For more information on Sexual Assault Awareness month, click here.
