SIDEBAR: Text of Statement on date/acquaintance rape

Acquaintance rape can threaten the safety and well-being of members of our community. In addition to the personal trauma sustained by the victim, the nature and consequences of this crime undermine the educational mission of the University. Penn will not tolerate sexual assault or violence in any form. For a number of years, the University has provided programs and procedures to help students receive expert counseling and to pursue legal options, if appropriate. We urge the community to utilize these resources to help prevent these crimes and help victims/survivors to regain control of their lives. As the new semester begins, we are speaking out plainly on this issue because we know that incidents of acquaintance rape or attempted rape are often not reported. In a national study, 90 percent of the victims had remained silent and had not reported the crime. By bringing the issues out in the open and reaffirming the University's deep concern for the safety of all members of our community, we seek to foster an environment that encourages reporting and discussion of acquaintance rape. No one should suffer alone, blame oneself, or go without needed assistance. We want to make sure that everyone is aware of Penn's resources that can help them and their friends. We have developed a logo for this effort an old fashioned key. The logo represents the unlocking of the issue of acquaintance rape and the coordination of the campus resources available. A plastic keychain indentification holder and a brochure carry this logo and list the available resources. Throughout the year, we will continue to communitcate about the issue of acquaintance rape and hope that the entire community will help contribute to a campus that rejects violence in any form. --President Sheldon Hackney --Provost Michael Aiken --Senior Vice President Marna Whittington --Vice Provost for University Life Kim Morrission

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.