Story by ABIGAIL SHEARER Photos by RORY MOORE
Tiger Media Network
It’s On Us is a student-led organization at Fort Hays State University that raises awareness for campus sexual assault. The group also promotes bystander intervention. It’s On Us hosted a Letters to Survivors event earlier this week.
FHSU junior and organization president Kyleigh Woodward came up with the idea last April, and this semester is the group’s first active semester.
The inspiration came from other universities with their own student-led chapters.
“It doesn’t always have to be heavy and like super in your face and sad,” she said. “You can just hear the words like assault, consent, you know, you don’t have to get down about it, but you’re reminded.”
Woodward said It’s On Us was originally a White House PSA campaign in 2014.
“Universities and celebrities did those PSA videos like ‘It’s On Us to stop campus sexual assault,’” she said. “It kind of evolved into a nonprofit, and I think they have over 260 college chapters.”
The organization currently has 15 members, with plans to grow.
They plan to have different events and post about them regularly on their Instagram account.
“[People] can just stop by and maybe get a treat, do a project, and still take something away from it,” Woodward said.
In October and February, they will host themed events currently in the works. More information will be shared in the future.
The group also collaborates with Jana’s Campaign and Options on events and plans to do more events, such as Cards for Survivors.
It’s On Us will be screening the documentary, “Audrie & Daisy” at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Fischli-Wills 104. Their next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in Tebo Library 132.