EMU Today

LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former First Lady Sue Snyder announced today (Oct. 15, 2019) that Eastern Michigan University will host the fifth annual “Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault” summit as the state of Michigan continues to prioritize this critical public health and safety issue. The Governor is slated to serve as the event’s morning keynote speaker.

“Every student in Michigan deserves to feel safe on campus,” said Governor Whitmer. “But right now, we’re not doing enough to end sexual assault on campus, and as a result, one in five women and one in 16 men are victims of sexual assault while they are college students in Michigan.

“Our students deserve better. We must get to work to change the culture around sexual assault on campus and ensure the safety of our students. As a mom of teenage daughters and as a survivor myself, I’m proud to partner with the former First Lady to get to work on this crucial issue."

The annual summit, started by former Michigan First Lady Sue Snyder, will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Eastern Michigan, in Ypsilanti. The theme for this year’s event is “culture change” with a focus on the roles individuals and institutions must play in preventing sexual assaults from occurring.

“These summits are about changing our culture and creating safer, more supportive campus environments for students and survivors,” Sue Snyder said. “I am proud that this initiative continues to gain momentum, and I look forward to working with Governor Whitmer in continuing this important work now and into the future.”

The day-long summit will continue the conversation around campus sexual assault and is an ongoing campaign to inform communities, empower individuals and ultimately bring an end to campus sexual assault. The event is expected to draw 500 attendees, including university officials, Title IX administrators, students, law enforcement, stakeholders, legislators, and topic experts, and will serve as a catalyst for action on campuses across the state.

“Eastern Michigan University is proud to host the summit for the second time in five years,” said University President James Smith. “Campus sexual assault remains a critical health and safety issue for campuses across the nation. The more our institutions of higher education discuss these important issues and learn from one another, the better prepared all of us are to develop programs and commit resources to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and employees.”

To request a ticket to the summit, visit the Safer Campus website.  You can also follow @MISaferCampus on Twitter and Instagram to receive updates.

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Note: If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call 1-855-VOICES4 (1-855-864-2374) to receive 24/7, free, anonymous, and confidential counseling services.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.