First Lady Sue Snyder announces speakers, agenda for second statewide summit on campus sexual assault

Summit to be held at the University of Michigan on Friday, Sept. 30

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

LANSING, Mich. — First Lady Sue Snyder today announced the speakers and sessions that will be featured at the second campus sexual assault prevention summit being held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The day long “Inform. Empower. Prevent. Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault” Summit aims to make Michigan a model state in the fight against sexual assault amongst the college-age population. The summit is a continuation of an ongoing campaign to inform communities, empower individuals and ultimately bring an end to campus sexual assault.

“Sexual assault is a sensitive topic that has rightfully gained national attention, and I’m proud that Michigan is a leader in addressing this issue,” Sue Snyder said. “I’m honored to be hosting another Summit that will continue our goal to change the culture surrounding assault in order to ultimately end sexual assault on our college and university campuses.”

Co-hosted by state Senators Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren, and state Representatives Laura Cox and Marilyn Lane, the summit is a bipartisan effort bringing together college and university representatives, legislators, law enforcement officials and students for a series of panels and networking sessions.

Added components to this year’s summit include incorporating student athletes and members of campus Greek life into the conversation, starting the conversation with high-school students and highlighting Michigan’s colleges and universities that have received Campus Sexual Assault Grant dollars to launch assault prevention programs on campuses.

Summit attendees will hear from a number of nationally recognized experts on the topic of college sexual assault. Speakers include: 

• An athletic panel that will focus on how universities can better partner with their athletes and athletic departments to equip them with knowledge about sexual assault awareness and prevention. The conversation will be moderated by Heather Lyke, Director of Athletics, Eastern Michigan University and panelists include:
  • Chris Creighton, Head Coach, Eastern Michigan University football
  • Carol Hutchins, Head Coach, University of Michigan softball
  • Warde Manuel, Athletic Director, University of Michigan
  • Mary Wilfert, Associate Director, NCAA’s Sport Science Institute
  • Ron Bellamy, Head Coach, West Bloomfield High School football
• Natasha Alexenko, founder of Natasha’s Justice Project, will share her story as a survivor of sexual assault. 
• Casey Corcoran, Futures Without Violence, will preview the Audrie & Daisy Netflix documentary and discuss materials for schools to implement after screening the film.
• Dr. Vicki Banyard, professor, University of New Hampshire Department of Psychology, will discuss how to create a community of action through bystanders and sexual assault prevention on campuses.
• Dr. Keith Edwards, speaker and educator on sexual violence prevention, will help participants understand how fraternity and sorority members, student athletes, and other student leaders can be a part of the solution to end rape on campus.
• Dr. Jackson Katz, educator, author, filmmaker, and cultural theorist, will discuss rape culture and how we can change the culture surrounding sexual assault.

Based on available space, summit attendance is limited to campus representatives and issue experts. A live stream option will be available with information to follow.
Summit sponsors include:

• Presenting: Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.
• Supporting: Oakland University.
• Partner: Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan and Western Michigan University.
• Friend: Albion College, Concordia University – Ann Arbor, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Key Safety Systems, Lake Superior State University, The Marsh Family, Michigan Association of State Universities, Michigan Technological University, Mott Community College, Northern Michigan University, Savco Hospitality, Spring Arbor University, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan – Dearborn, University of Michigan – Flint.

All general sessions of the summit will be open to media. Media who wish to attend the summit must RSVP to GovNewsroom@michigan.gov and present valid press credentials onsite in order to be admitted.

Additional summit details, speakers and a full summit agenda can be found at www.endcampussexualassault.com.

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