Through the It’s On Us campaign, Gettysburg College encourages active bystander intervention and supports survivors of sexual misconduct and relationship violence—and the Week of Action is a continued step toward effecting change.
For the last four years at Gettysburg College, T-shirts, stickers, and banners stating “It’s On Us” have multiplied as the motto has become a vernacular way of spreading the importance of Title IX and respect to a wide range of the student body. From sports teams to Greek organizations, students come together for a Week of Action each September to spread awareness about respect and standing up to sexual violence.
Amanda Blaugher, Title IX coordinator and director of civil rights compliance and education, has worked to bring the It’s On Us campaign to life around campus so its message reaches as many students as possible, from tabling events on Stine Lake to co-hosting popular campus events like Pub Trivia. Blaugher has also welcomed guest speaker Patrick Maddox, a motivational speaker representing the It’s On Us national campaign, to share his story of speaking out against sexual assault.
“It is so important that we continue to hold the Week of Action early each fall semester, so we are reminding our campus that it truly is on all of us to come together to prevent sexual assault on campus,” said Blaugher.
This year, the It’s On Us pledge had more than 1,000 student signatures. Many student clubs and organizations, such as those across athletics and Greek life, showed their support of It’s On Us as ambassadors, spreading awareness and unifying as one. The College also introduced an It’s On Us chapter recognized by the Office of Student Activities & Greek Life, which encourages participation in the initiative at the national level.
“We all need to work together to create an environment on campus where everyone is treated with respect and we are continuing to address the norms that cause sexual harm,” said Blaugher on the importance of these opportunities for involvement. “It is always my hope that when someone sees an It’s On Us shirt or sticker on campus, they are reminded about what It’s On Us is all about and they feel empowered to be able to intervene in the future when they see harm.”
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By Ainsley Green ’27
Photo by Alexandra Wein ’24
Posted: 11/21/24