Release

Provost Forms Task Force on Acquaintance Rape

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 23, 2006) -- University at Albany Provost Susan Herbst today announced the formation of a Task Force on Acquaintance Rape, to convene immediately. The task force will be led by James A. Anderson, vice president for Student Success, and Katharine Briar-Lawson, dean of the School of Social Welfare, and will include students, faculty and staff from throughout the University and members of the Albany community.

"As a campus community it's important that we come together immediately to understand and address the issues surrounding sexual assault," said Herbst. "I've asked Vice President Anderson and Dean Briar-Lawson to convene this task force to build on our existing sexual assault programs, strengthen our communications, and galvanize the many individuals and programs who deal with these issues."

"Sexual assault will not be tolerated on this campus," said Anderson. "The task force will be an important tool in our comprehensive education program to help men and women understand acquaintance rape and other forms of sexual assault, and their consequences."

The task force comes in response to the arrest of three university students who allegedly raped a female student in a University residence hall.

In addition to the formation of the task force, the university announced that as a result of continuing discussions between the administration and students, three meetings will be held this week to promote open dialogue among students faculty and staff on sexual assault. The meetings are as follows:

• Students' "Open Microphone," noon, Wednesday, October 25, Campus Center 375
   
• Students' "Open Microphone," 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, Campus Center 375
   
• "Voice of the Student" Panel, 7 p.m., Thursday, October 26, Campus Center 375

Members of the media are invited to observe these sessions.