'I Love Consent' Dialogue Kicks Off New Awareness Campaign

In December, at the urging of Governor Andrew Cuomo, the State University of New York (SUNY) introduced a system-wide uniform set of practices to combat sexual assaults on campus.

The new guidelines include  the adoption of "affirmation consent," defined as a clear, unambiguous, knowing, informed and voluntary agreement between all participants to engage in sexual activity; amnesty for underage students who have been drinking and/or using drugs at the time of a sexual violence incident; a statewide training program for campus police and administrators regarding how to address sexual assault incidents; a public campaign to increase awareness among students and parents; and a uniform Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights that will inform a student of his or her rights following an attack.

Although Buffalo State already has many such measures in place, this semester it is making them more visible and expanding upon them with a new awareness campaign, "I Love Consent," which will include talks and workshops spearheaded by the Equity and Campus Diversity Office.

The kickoff event, an “I Love Consent” dialogue, will be held Thursday, February 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Bacon Hall 115. It is free and open to the public.

"The concept of affirmative consent—that anything other than an enthusiastic yes is not consent to sexual activity—is very important and is gaining more and more ground nationwide,” said Karen Clinton Jones, chief diversity officer. "With this new campaign adding to the efforts that already exist on campus, Buffalo State is poised to be at the forefront of SUNY’s new policies."

The goal of the "I Love Consent" campaign is to hold two workshops a week during the spring semester across campus—in the residence halls, with various athletic teams, with sororities and fraternities, and other campus organizations, according to Jason Parker, diversity program coordinator.

"We know from talking to students that there is definitely a gray area when it comes to what consent actually is," Parker said. "We want students to come away from these workshops more informed and with a deeper understanding of the issue."

The Equity and Campus Diversity Office will collaborate with various departments on campus, including the Judicial Affairs Office, Dean of Students Office, Weigel Health Promotions, the Communication Department, the Anne Frank Project, Residence Life, and University Police.

"We believe that this is an issue that needs to be tackled from all sides," said Clinton Jones. "Watch for our new promotional giveaways, additional information, and for all things consent—because Buffalo State will not stand for sexual assault."