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OU Campus Conversation Set to Discuss Sexual Misconduct

Posted on: Tuesday, September 29, 2015

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As the number of sexual offenses reported on Ohio University’s campus continues to rise, a community conversation on the topic is scheduled for tonight.

There have now been nine reported sexual offenses on Ohio University’s campus this academic year, most recently an allegation of gross sexual imposition and two reports of rapes this weekend in dormitories on campus.

While the reported cases continue to grow, Tuesday’s Campus Conversation in Walter Hall, hosted by the university, plan to target a discussion on sexual misconduct.

The Campus Conversation is designed to provide a safe environment where members of the community, both students and Athens residents, can raise questions and have an open dialogue.

“Any kind of sex offense is terrible and we would love to live in a world where they don’t occur at all, but given the fact they do occur it’s encouraging people feel comfortable coming to OUPD,” Ohio University Police Chief Andrew Powers said.

Chief Powers will be in attendance at the Campus Conversation. Powers said he does not want sexual misconduct to be the norm on OU’s campus.

Special assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs, Megan Vogel, said she hopes the conversations can help change student culture.

“Maybe this conversation will make someone notice someone walking alone and go walk with them,” Vogel said.

The event is set for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. tonight in Walter Hall.