A University of Kansas Student Senate town hall about Title IX practices was canceled Tuesday night because of low attendance, but another opportunity is in the works for the spring semester.
The town hall was intended to give students a chance to ask KU administrators their questions about KU’s sexual assault prevention measures and the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. Vice Provost of Student Affairs Tammara Durham and Title IX investigator Tamarah Dixon were among those present at the town hall to answer student questions.
KU administrators are planning a similar town hall for the spring semester where both Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer and Chancellor Douglas Girod will be in attendance, organizers of the Student Senate town hall Tuesday said. KU spokesperson Erinn Barcomb-Peterson confirmed an event was being planned, and details will be shared when available.
In September, KU was embroiled with protests after a student said she was drugged and sexually assaulted by a man in a fraternity. Two nights of protests drew hundreds of students each night, followed by a 12-hour sit-in outside of administrators’ offices and a closed-door conversation with administrators about KU’s Title IX practices and measures to prevent sexual assault on campus.
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August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
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Resources for survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence or trauma, please seek the help that’s right for you. There are many options available, and you don’t have to file a police report if you don’t want to.
Get 24/7 help in Lawrence: The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
- Call 785-843-8985 to reach an advocate, 24/7. (Consider saving that number in your phone in case you or someone you know ever needs it.)
- After an assault: What are my options? Check this page for detailed information about
- talking to an advocate,
- going to the hospital,
- making a police report,
- and/or talking to a counselor or therapist.
- On campus? Check this page for specific resources for the University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University, Ottawa University and more.
Resources on KU’s campus:
- Contact CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Services: KU students can make an appointment online at careservices.ku.edu, by email, care@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-9255. It’s free, confidential and voluntary to talk with the CARE Coordinator. All genders welcome. Read more here.
- Find more KU campus resources at this link. Specific information about sexual assault exams can be found under the “Medical Care” tab.
- Connect with KU CARE Companions on Instagram. (Note: CARE Companions are KU students in the Panhellenic community that offer peer support and info about resources, but this is not an advocacy service like others listed here.)
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
More resources
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives that is culturally appropriate.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
