The University of Evansville is one step closer to kicking off their Project Safespace initiative.
By potentially hiring a project director in December, they can begin to implement the grant by the U-S Department of Justice.
Specifically, the Office on Violence Against Women.
The goal is to fund a project at UE, which would prevent and address sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and stalking on campus.
According to the news release, this project will benefit "all UE students," with a special focus on supporting LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and international students.
Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer said, hiring a new director to helm the project is the first step.
“We're currently in the hiring phase of getting a project director, and basically they're going to guide the overall implementation of this project. And we're looking at at least three to four years of the project being implemented.”
And that process will be led by the director.
Alatza said UE isn’t completely free from cases of stalking and dating violence. This program will be designed to prevent and address these cases.
Project Safespace isn’t a literal room or area of campus, it’s for creating a better culture on campus as a whole, Alatza said.
“We know that's one of the most critical things that we can do as an institution, is ensure that, you know, those students feel that they have a place that they can come to, that they're safe and they've. Got the resources necessary to continue to be successful throughout their academic journey.”
Project partner organizations include the Evansville Police Department, Albion Fellows Bacon Center and Mathew 25.
"We want to create a culture where students feel empowered to speak up and foster an environment that promotes safety for everyone," said Keith Gehlhausen, Executive Director of Human Resources & Institutional Equity, via news release. "Project Safespace will help us continue to build a campus community where everyone feels safe and supported."
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