President Obama called Friday for a “fundamental shift in our culture” to prevent sexual assaults on college campuses, and made an veiled reference to the domestic abuse scandal in the NFL as example that more work needs to be done.
“From sports leagues to pop culture to politics, our society still does not sufficiently value women,” Mr. Obama said at an event at the White House. “The issue of violence against women is now in the news every day. We still don’t condemn sexual assault as loudly as we should. We make excuses. We look the other way.”
Mr. Obama and Vice President Joseph R. Biden announced an initiative called “It’s On Us” to promote awareness on college campuses and educate young men in particular to speak out about sexual assault.
“It’s on grown men to set an example and be clear about what it means to be a man,” Mr. Obama said. “We especially need our young men to show women the respect they deserve.”
The White House has enlisted Hollywood stars including Jon Hamm of “Mad Men” and Connie Britton of “Nashville” to help in the effort.
A website that went live Friday morning, ItsOnUs.org, features a public service announcement with Mr. Obama, Mr. Biden and others telling viewers it’s their responsibility to stop sexual assault. Other celebrities joining the effort include NBA All-Star Kevin Love, actresses Kerry Washington, Rose Byrne and Mayim Bialik and comedian Joel McHale.
The administration estimates that 1 in 5 college women are attacked, and the campaign encourages everyone on campus to make sure friends are safe and to intervene before an assault happens. The NCAA will promote anti-assault messages on screens at championship events.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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