The Office of Gender and Equity Hosts a Forum on Consent

The interns of the Office of Gender and Equity hosted a light-hearted forum about the topic of consent on April 24 in Lane University Center’s Atkinson Room.

The event was organized by the office’s interns Ameyu Ayana and Sunnaye Rogers. Two other students, Christian Davis and Serena Gant, were the event’s moderators, passing the mic back and forth to different participants for the duration of the event. There was also a panel with Mahlet Jesfaye, Daysha Sanders, Marquise White, and Johana Gourdin; Ayana was on the panel as well. Rogers gave a disclaimer before it began. “This discussion will include some sensitive topics, so at any point you are uncomfortable feel free to step out at any time during the discussion,” she said, “because this is the title IX office and in light of the fact that we would like to keep it fun,  I would appreciate it if everyone spoke hypothetically on any scenarios you wish to share!”

The crowd and panel were both asked their definitions of consent. One of the students stated that consent is, “verbal but it should be enthusiastic.” Sanders joined in and said, “consent is verbal physical.” To another student, it was, “getting good vibes from your partner and feeling good about it.” Sanders chimed in again and stated, “consent looks sober.” Sanders believed that having sex with someone who is under any influence of control substances is not moralistic.

There was a slide presented with two women; one was dressed modestly and the other one provocatively. Some students and panel members had negative thoughts toward the one dressed proactively.  However, Gourdin addressed their comments, and told them that extremist thoughts toward women’s clothing enables rape culture.

After the pictures, more students had comments on consent. “Consent is a question being asked and an answer being given,” a student explained.  Another student told the room sexual interaction without consent is illegal. “Even if you think asking is too much, you have to ask just in case,” one student said.

To end the forum, there were last remarks from Davis and students. The student wanted to let the room know that educating others on consent can help eradicate rape culture.