BY RAEGAN NEUFELD
Just a day after the Love and Healthy Relationship Expo, the Fort Hays Student Government Association learned even more about the university’s Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence at their meeting on Thursday night.
FHSU Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Ziwei Qi, one of the Center’s co-founders, was a guest speaker at the meeting. She gave a presentation on what the Center is and what their research focuses on, specifically gender-based violence. Gender-based violence can include sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and physical, emotional and psychological abuse.
Established in March 2020, the Center focuses on gender-based violence in rural areas, and uses research to inform policy and help support survivors through economic empowerment.
“We had recent research projects on Title IX policy, on law enforcement and on investigative techniques in rural areas while working with survivors,” Qi told the senators.
The Center also focuses on education and engagement, giving research presentations and hosting events such as the Love and Healthy Relationship Expo.
“This June, we’re going to collaborate with Jana’s Campaign and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services to host an educational summit on human trafficking.”
The Center, which is recognized as a Rural Justice Innovation Site by the National Center for State Courts, is staffed by FHSU faculty members who work as research consultants and coordinators, and also by students. According to Qi, six students have worked as research assistants for the Center since its establishment.
Qi ended her presentation with a reminder of how SGA can support the Center, including being an ally for victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Later in the meeting, senators also passed a resolution officially recognizing April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The rest of the meeting consisted of executive reports and announcements.
On April 26, SGA is hosting another open forum, similar to last semester. According to Legislative Affairs Director Ella Burrows, the panelists include representatives from Student Engagement, Residential Life, Health and Wellness Services and the University Police Department.
Burrows also encouraged the use of TigerLink by student organizations and clubs for events and attendance tracking.
“It’s so Student Engagement can have data to back up what they’re doing when they go to (the Kansas Board of Regents) and present things,” she said.
Community Relations Director Emma Day gave an update on the Big Event, which is on April 22. Currently, 127 volunteers have signed up and 15 projects have been submitted. Sign-up forms for specific projects will be sent out on April 17.
The next SGA meeting is at 7:00 p.m. on April 13. The next meeting, as well as the remaining meetings in April, will be in the Eagle Room of the Robbins Center.