Kansas State University

Letter to the university from Dean Bosco and Reagan Kays

Submitted by Pat Bosco and Reagan Kays

Dear K-State students, faculty and staff,

We are a family. As a family, we look out for each other because we are part of something beyond ourselves. We care for fellow K-Staters, and we want everyone to have the chance to be safe, respected and supported.

Sexual assault on college campuses nationwide has been at the forefront of media reports in recent weeks. Sexual violence — including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault — is not tolerated at Kansas State University. We want all of our students to feel safe and our administration, faculty, staff and students share the responsibility of creating this safe environment.

K-State takes any allegation of sexual violence very seriously. Our policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, sexual violence and stalking encourages all members of the university community to report allegations of sexual violence and allows the university to provide remedies and impose sanctions in those situations.

All of us are committed to working together to combat the issue of sexual assault and provide needed support. Our university offers several support resources for sexual assault victims.

• The K-State Center for Advocacy Response and Education, or CARE, offers confidential advocacy and support services to any member of the K-State Community who has experienced sexual assault, dating violence, stalking or harassment. The CARE office is a safe place for survivors to explore their options, receive support from trained advocates and obtain referrals to other resources campus and community resources. Contact the office at 785-532-6444 or www.k-state.edu/care.
  
  
• K-State counseling services and the K-State Family Center offer confidential therapeutic support. Contact K-State counseling services at 785-532-6927 or www.k-state.edu/counseling; and the K-State Family Center at 785-532-6974 or www.he.k-state.edu/familycenter.
  
  
• We are beginning a monthly community dialogue about sexual violence, called Shatter the Silence Lunch Hour. The first event is scheduled for noon on Monday, Oct. 6, in the CARE office, 206 Holton Hall. The lunch hour will provide a safe and affirming place for any community member who would like to be part of the conversations happening about sexual violence on college campuses.

We want our students to have a positive educational experience while they are here, and we are fully committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all. If we can do anything to improve the K-State experience, please don't hesitate to let us know. Our contact information is listed below.

Sincerely,

Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students
bosco@k-state.edu

Reagan Kays, student body president
rkays@k-state.edu