Journalism Student Visits Vice President Biden for Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign

Journalism major, Kelly Jacobs, was invited to the White House and Vice President Joe Biden’s residence for a meeting about the next steps in the nationwide sexual assault awareness campaign It’s On Us.

Kelly Jacobs at Vice President Biden's Residence

It’s On Us was launched by President Obama and Vice President Biden on Sept. 19, 2014 to reduce rape and sexual assault on college campuses. Jacobs is a member of the It’s On Us Student Advisory Committee -- 28 student leaders nationwide, with each focusing on universities in a specific region of the country to spread sexual assault awareness on college campuses.

As the committee representative for universities in California and Hawaii, Jacobs was invited by Vice President Biden to come to the nation’s capital to discuss the future of It’s On Us.

“It was amazing to hear the Vice President talk about why he is so passionate about ending violence against women and why he wanted to start this campaign,” Jacobs said. “I truly believe that he is one of our biggest advocates in the movement to end sexual assault.”

Jacobs also works for Safer, Cal Poly’s resource for survivors of gender-based violence. Safer worked to launch It’s On Us Fall Week of Action that took place Oct. 9-15. The Week of Action brought together members of the Cal Poly community with a photo booth and pledge drive to help spread awareness of sexual assault on campus.

“We did a group photo with President Armstrong, Greek Life, athletes, clubs, faculty, staff and other campus leaders to show that it really is on all of us to stand against sexual violence,” Jacobs said.

“I’m grateful that we have the support of so many of our campus leaders.”