OUR VOICES MATTER: NPC STANDS UNITED AS A SOLUTIONS COMMUNITY

Let's all agree that sexual violence is a heinous crime. It is a felony and should be treated as such.

Thankfully, most recognize that something must be done to improve the existing state of affairs, and a wide range of voices have been heard in Washington, D.C., throughout the United States and around the world to address numerous concerns.

One year ago NPC became more vocal on the topic of student safety on campuses. The Chairman's Message in September 2014 (Sexual Assault Awareness: We Are on the Same Team) focused on our united efforts to speak out about sexual violence and the need for more awareness and solutions to improve the status quo. This year we are promoting "The Red Zone" as part of a social media awareness campaign.

There has been significant progress since we turned up the volume and aired our concerns about student safety on campus. Of particular note:

• NPC formed a Student Safety and Sexual Assault Awareness Task Force in October 2014. This task force reported on recommendations to the board of directors at its May meeting. Further work on areas of awareness, campus resources and member organization resources is underway.
• The NPC Board of Directors approved a position statement against sexual assault in February.

We shared last year that we would enter collaborative discussions with the North- American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) to address campus safety as part of the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition legislative agenda. A considerable amount of time and focus has been dedicated to this effort, which includes conversations with lawmakers and others in the interfraternal community.

This summer legislation was introduced that garnered the support of NPC and its member organizations. NPC supports both bills -- Safe Campus Act and Fair Campus Act -- because they represent viewpoints on key concepts and core principles held by many of our members. Polling data released this week shows an overwhelming percentage of likely voters believe that the law enforcement agencies should take the lead in investigating and adjudicating allegations of sexual assault on campuses.

Why is NPC speaking out on federal legislation? 

NPC has a responsibility and obligation to advocate for the issues confronting its members. As sorority women, we are proven leaders on campuses and in communities. It is part of our tradition to seize opportunities to improve the status quo and seek solutions. We want to be part of the conversation surrounding sexual violence, student care strategies, due process rights for individuals and organizations, and preservation of single-sex exemption under Title IX.

Hear our voices as college chapter leaders, alumnae and inter/national sorority leaders speak out ...

Many of my sorority sisters, Panhellenic friends and classmates have been affected by sexual violence, and unfortunately, this number continues to grow every term. However, this does not have to continue to be the case. The Panhellenic community has an incredible opportunity to change the status quo for our members and all collegiate women. The legislation is essential to preserving our sisterhoods, protecting collegiate women and improving campus safety. -- Tracy Nelson, Delta Gamma, Southern Methodist University class of 2016

While I absolutely understand the need for colleges and universities to have and utilize sexual-assault policies, I also find it vital for young women and men to understand that sexual assault is a criminal act. It cannot be looked upon as a less serious offense because of where it happens or who's involved. That's why I feel it's crucial to encourage law enforcement as an essential resource for those dealing with sexual assault. -- Courtney Brown Zemerick, Kappa Delta, professional counselor

The Safe Campus Act and the Fair Campus Act provide unprecedented protections to all student victims affected by sexual violence on campus. They are comprehensive in scope, resulting from months of collaboration among leaders of men's and women's fraternities, in consultation with a wide array of subject-matter experts, including law enforcement officials and victims' rights advocates. -- Laura Doerre, Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity president

How can you get involved?

• Review the information about the legislation NPC is endorsing. Click the links to find further details.
• Contact your representative to share your support of one or both bills.
• Promote campus resources available to victims of sexual violence.
• Share the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline -- 800-656-HOPE -- with your community.
• Provide education on bystander intervention.
• Support sisters who have the courage to step forward and choose to report.
• Promote "The Red Zone" and create more awareness by sharing, liking, regramming or retweeting our messages.

As stated in our Panhellenic Creed, we stand for "guarding of good health, and for serving, to the best of our ability, our college community." It is vital for NPC and our member organizations to advance solutions that will protect our members on campus.

Our voices must be heard, and the time is now.