U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today attended the “It’s On Us” rally with Vice President Joe Biden at the University of Illinois’ Champaign-Urbana campus. Davis was invited by Vice President Biden to speak at his event to highlight the “It’s On Us” campaign to prevent sexual assault on college campuses. The University of Illinois is the leader among colleges in the number of students who have taken the pledge to stop sexual assault.
Key Quote: “As the father of a daughter heading off to college in the fall, nothing is more terrifying than hearing the statistic: 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual assault since entering college. Students have a right to feel safe on their college campus so it’s on us – all of us – to help ensure your safety. It’s on us, as policy makers, to make sure universities have the tools they need to prevent sexual assault crimes and help victims if an incident does occur. It’s on university faculty members and leaders to implement and follow proper procedures to ensure the safety of their students. And it’s on students to look out for one another – if you see something, say something.”
Also in attendance, State Representative Adam Brown (R-Champaign).
"I am glad that Vice President Joe Biden has chosen the University of Illinois as a platform to discuss an issue that remains critical to colleges across the country, and transcends party politics," said Brown. "It is truly up to all of us to identify and prevent sexual assault on campuses and anywhere else it may occur, and I am proud to join Congressman Rodney Davis in welcoming the Vice President to discuss a vital preventative."
FULL TEXT OF DAVIS’ REMARKS:
As the congressman representing the 13th District, which includes the University of Illinois, I am honored to be here today to highlight the university’s efforts to prevent sexual assault on campus.
As the father of a daughter heading off to college in the fall, nothing is more terrifying than hearing the statistic: 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual assault since entering college.
With roughly 45,000 students at nine colleges and universities in the 13th Congressional District, statistically speaking that means more than 8,500 women attending college in central and southwest Illinois are likely to experience a sexual assault.
I applaud Vice President Joe Biden and this administration for partnering with universities across the nation to raise awareness and help stop sexual assault on our campuses.
I am so proud of the students and faculty here at the University of Illinois for stepping up and taking a stand against sexual assault on your campus.
From student athletes to campus leaders, more U of I students have signed the “It’s On Us” pledge than any other university in the nation.
The Champaign-Urbana community is blessed with many sexual assault prevention advocates like Kerri True-Funk, Executive Director of the Rape Advocacy, Counseling, and Education Services, who was in Washington, DC yesterday receiving the Lois Haight Award of Excellence and Innovation.
As a member of the Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus, I was proud to nominate Kerri for her dedication to improving services for survivors of sexual assault who have disabilities.
All students have a right to feel safe on their college campus so it’s on us – all of us – to help ensure your safety.
It’s on us, as policy makers, to make sure universities have the tools they need to prevent sexual assault crimes and help victims if an incident does occur.
It’s on university faculty members and leaders to implement and follow proper procedures to ensure the safety of their students.
And it’s on students to look out for one another – if you see something, say something.
Your generation, the Millennial Generation, are known for looking out for one another.
And as Millennial students, you have an opportunity using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools – that old people like us can’t even understand – to not only educate your fellow students about sexual assault prevention but to start a national conversation that yields results.
I believe with your help and the help of students like you across the country, we can fundamentally change the way we address and approach sexual assault on college campuses for generations to come.
So if you haven’t already, join us and take the “It’s On Us” pledge to stop sexual assault.
