UVA Holds Board of Visitors Meeting Regarding "Rolling Stone" Article - East Idaho News
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UVA Holds Board of Visitors Meeting Regarding “Rolling Stone” Article

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Thinkstock 121914 UVa?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1419036584917Alessandro Drago/iStock/Thinkstock(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) — The University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors on Friday held a meeting to discuss the school’s reaction to the Rolling Stone article, which has come under criticism, describing a sexual assault case on campus.

The school’s President Teresa Sullivan said on Friday that the concerns about sexual assault didn’t start because of the article, noting the 2010 death of women’s lacrosse player Yeardley Love at the hands of men’s lacrosse player George Huguely. The school also held a public forum on sexual violence in February 2013.

Sullivan also detailed the changes that the university plans to take by January 15 — the day fraternity rush begins. The changes fall into three categories — culture changes, prevention and response.

In terms of the school’s culture, Sullivan stated her continued frequent meetings with faculty and student groups, a recent Town Hall meeting on sexual assault, and continued review and revision of agreements involving fraternities and organizations.

In order to prevent sexual assaults, the school will upgrade the campus’ camera system, enhance lighting and crosswalks near campus, hire ambassadors to provide extra security, intensify University Police Department patrols and implement a “Buddies on Call” program to walk with students at night. Additionally, the school will make their safety app available for personal phones and evaluate and recommend improvements for after-hours student transportation.

Finally, Sullivan said, UVa plans to ask the Charlottesville Police Department to investigate the case described in the Rolling Stone article, hire additional counselors to help students who have been the victims of sexual assault and engage national experts to review their internal response process. Sullivan also mentioned that the school will consider a 24-hour call system to aid in ensuring protecting survivors is a priority.


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