The original version of this letter contained an error and has been changed. See the bottom of the letter for additional information.
In response to last month’s Daily Bruin editorial concerning the visibility of sexual assault resources on campus, we, the leaders of the Campus Assault Resource Education Speak Out and Support Coalition, would like to stress that it cannot only be student leaders and administration driving and supporting the efforts of the CARE SOS Coalition.
While, as student leaders, we can always improve our outreach and marketing, as UCLA students, it is our responsibility to take action and take advantage of the awareness and prevention trainings that are being made available. It does not matter how many workshops on sexual assault prevention are offered if the student body chooses not to attend them.
We must all take the initiative to spread awareness and send the message that gender-based violence is completely unacceptable on our campus.
Because the statistics of sexual assault in college are so high, it is in the best interest of the entire student body for each individual to take this issue personally. It has or will affect us all to some extent in our lives.
Carly Yoshida
Third-year, English
General Representative 2
Undergraduate Students Association Council
Solara McCoy
Fourth-year, psychology
Co-founder, CARE SOS Coalition
Correction: McCoy co-authored the letter.