Education and training

The first nationally recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month was coordinated by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) in 2001. In 2009, President Barack Obama became the first president to officially proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Beginning with the National Day of Action on the first Tuesday of the Month and culminating with Denim Day on the last Wednesday of the month, the programming throughout the month of April is dedicated to prevention, education, and awareness of sexual violence within our local, national, and global community.

We are committed to engaging in prevention and education programming during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and all-year long. You can find sexual assault awareness and prevention programming materials below for events hosted by the Office of Title IX:

"Crossing the Divide: Addressing Systemic Barriers to Sexual Violence Prevention"

April 20, 2021

Through this program speaker, educator, and activist Angela Exson focuses on factors that contribute to sexual violence. How is the prevalence of sexual violence related to power, privilege and oppression? What are the long-term effects? Are there special considerations for BIPOC and low-income students? How can we engage students to use campus and community resources?

"A Call to Men: A Fireside Chat with Tony Porter"

April 29, 2021

Event was co-sponsored by the Union College Interfraternity Council and the Union College Athletic Department.

Porter is an author, educator and activist working to advance social justice issues. He is the co-founder of A Call to Men, an organization offering training and resources aimed at promoting healthy, respectful manhood.

He is an adviser to the National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball, providing policy consultation, working extensively with player engagement, and facilitating violence prevention and healthy manhood training.

Denim Day grew out of a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. An 18-year old girl was picked up by her married 45-year old driving instructor during which time she reported that he took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the case, and forcefully raped her. The perpetrator was arrested and convicted; however, the decision was turned over by the Italian Supreme Court and the matter was dismissed. In a statement by the Chief Judge, he argued, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”

Enraged by the verdict, women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action motivated and emboldened the California Senate and Assembly to do the same. People all over the world were outraged, and wearing jeans became an international symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes and myths surrounding sexual assault.

Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles, led by Patti Giggans, organized the country’s first Denim Day event in 1999. Under POV’s leadership, Denim Day LA & USA has grown into a national movement. In 2011, more than 2 million Americans participated in Denim Day.

Whether you are working or learning from home, or it's been a while since you've sported a pair of jeans, we've got you covered! We encourage you to utilize one of our Union-branded Zoom backgrounds for Denim Day 2021 or all month long!

Education and training are important aspects of a healthy Title IX culture. The Title IX Office works to training the various populations within the Union College community including student groups, teams, and organizations, faculty divisions, and staff departments. Members of the Title IX team including the Deputy Title IX Coordinators, investigators, and hearing panelists undergo special annual trainings to ensure they are facilitating all College procedures effectively.

Trainings facilitated by the Title IX Office can be found below. If you are looking for the Title IX Office to facilitate a training or workshop for you, please complete the Title IX Training & Request Form below.

TITLE IX OFFICE TRAINING & EDUCATION REQUEST FORM

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

In compliance with New York State HR laws, employees of the College undergo sexual harassment prevention training to learn about preventing and reporting sexual harassment in employment.

What Do You Mean By Mandatory? Responsible Employees at Union College

All employees at Union College, except those deemed confidential resources, are considered Responsible Employees. This training session discusses the who, what, when, where, and why or reporting obligations.

ducational Resources

The following resources may provide additional education or assistance regarding gender-based misconduct related topics. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Sexual Assault Awareness & Safety Explained for International Students by ISI

• LGBTQ+ Resources:
  • LGBTQ+ Allies (Union College affiliated)
  • Pride Center of the Capital Region
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network
• Sexual Assault/Rape/Title IX Resources
  • NYCASA – New York State Coalition against Sexual Assault: 1 (800) 942-6906
  • RAINN – Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network: 1 (800) 656-4673
  • Know Your IX
  • 1in6 - For Male Survivors
  • Title IX - The Clearinghouse for All Things Title IX
  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center
  • US Department of Justice, Office on Violence against Women
• Study Abroad Resources:
  • Pathways to Safety
• Information about Healthy Sexuality:
  • Guttmacher Institute
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Advocates for Youth
  • Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US (SIECUS)
  • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)