(THE PICKET) – An email was sent to the Shepherd University community today, Sept. 22, in regards to a sexual assault that occurred in a resident hall yesterday. The email sent by Shepherd’s Chief of Police, John McAvoy, gives details of the assault and also states the definition of consent.
Email from Chief McAvoy:
“On September 21, 2016, University administrators received information that the criminal act of non-consensual sexual fondling occurred in a residence hall room on September 12, 2016. The complainant plainly expressed that sexual contact was unwanted, but no one else was present and the perpetrator forcibly imposed contact.
It is important for every member of the University community to remember:
Consent is:
• A knowing, voluntary, and mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity
• Clear and unambiguous permission
• Active, not passive. Silence, passivity, or lack of resistance does not imply consent.
• Ongoing and not implied.
Consent cannot be obtained when a person is:
•Incapacitated due to
- consumption of drugs or alcohol
- mental or physical disability
• Coerced or intimidated
• Forced
• Physically helpless
• Unconscious or asleep
When consent is withdrawn or can no longer be given, sexual activity must stop.
The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Every student has a right to a safe educational environment, and the University wants to provide support to anyone who needs that support.
Additional resources and information about sexual assault and interpersonal violence can be accessed at http://www.shepherd.edu/victim-resource-center
John P. McAvoy
Chief of Police
Shepherd University
Police Department
304-876-5374 office
304-876-5679 fax”
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