By Lynda O’Malley, Associate Dean of Students

  I commend you for your retraction of the rape and abusive comments that recently appeared in the “Overheard @ Hofstra” section. Too often, people think that it’s funny to joke about such subjects. The bottom line is that rape is never a laughing matter.         

  Statistics indicate that one in every three women will be physically or sexually abused in their lifetime. Nearly 20 percent of college women will be victims of attempted or actual sexual assault, as will about 6 percent of undergraduate men, according to Christopher P. Krebs’ Campus Sexual Assault Study.           

  The physical, psychological, emotional and legal toll on the survivor of a sexual assault will profoundly impact the person’s ability to trust themselves and their relationships and to successfully continue in academic pursuits. The Dean of Students Office would like to remind students that the Sexual Misconduct Policy is available for review online in the Community Standards section of the Guide to Pride.                                       

  Staying safe in relationships and keeping friends safe in relationships is everyone’s responsibility, and it is in line with our mission to abide by the PRIDE principles.         

  We encourage you to attend the upcoming program related to this important topic: Love Yourself So You Can Love Someone Else, presented by Maria Falzone of Sex Rules! Many of you may remember her from Welcome Week. This program will be taking place on Wednesday March 28th from 7-8 p.m. in the Student Center Theater. Information on sexual assault is also readily available on the Student Counseling website.                  

  I challenge you to help break the jokes, myths and stereotypes associated with issues surrounding sexual misconduct. If you hear or see of something inappropriate, say something! Don’t be silent! The change in the culture related to this important topic begins and ends with you and me. Again, rape is never a laughing matter.