Emily Stanley is a social work major in her sophomore year at SUNY Plattsburgh. She is passionate about women rights, gender equality, and she advocates for women in different ways. She recently organized a protest against sexualt assault.
What is “Explain the asterisk?”
“‘Explain the Asterisk’ refers to the asterisk on the transcript of student’s dismissed from a college for sexual misconduct. The asterisk can be for sexual misconduct or less serious academic reasons, so they are able to enter a new college/university without anyone knowing of their sexual assault conviction. Explain the Asterisk aims to work with legislators to pass legislation explaining the asterisk and holding perpetrators of sexual assault accountable.”
Is sexual assault awareness important and why?
“Sexual assault awareness is so important! It is essential to be educated about sexual assault because unfortunately, it is extremely common. Education is the best way to keep yourself informed and safe. Sexual assault awareness is also essential to bring recognition to the issue since it is often downplayed by societal rape cultures.”
Why did you decide to hold the protest?
“I decided to hold the protest as part of Explain the Asterisk’s nationwide walkout for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Our hopes for the walkout were to bring light to the issue of sexual violence and to show our support for survivors.”
How is sexual assualt awareness important on college campuses?
“SA awareness promotes understanding and sheds light to the issue of sexual assault. There are many things I hope for in the future to address and end sexual violence.”
What is the benefit of sexual assault protests?
“But doing this has larger implications than just education and policy reform. It is essential to change the negative social culture that exists and perpetuates sexual violence. We must also center survivor’s voices in conversations about sexaul assault/violence.”
What are your future expections in terms of sexual assault alleviation?
“There are many things I hope for in the future to address and end sexual violence. But doing this has larger implications than just education and policy reform. It is essential to change the negative social culture that exists and perpetuates sexual violence. We must also center survivor’s voices in conversations about sexaul assault/violence.”
APN 