Author: Drew Jaffe
A new group on campus seeks to unite the men of Occidental around the issue of sexual assault by encouraging open discussion and collaboration with other activist groups.
Sociology Professor Richard Mora and English and Comparative Literature Studies Professor James Ford III recently started the Occidental Men Against Rape (OMAR) group on campus. The aim of the club is to raise awareness among men about their role in campus sexual assault culture, both as perpetrators and survivors.
“Seeing the work and momentum that Occidental Sexual Assault Coalition was doing and others were doing on campus, I decided maybe it would be a good idea to invite together young men who were allies and who were committed to bringing about change,” Mora said. Mora formed the group as a positive outlet after what he feels was a disappointing response to sexual assault policy reform by the administration.
Twenty-eight male students joined Mora and Ford in OMAR’s first meeting on April 3. Sociology major David Pino (junior) was one of these students interested in the cause.
“This has been something that has been going on for a very long time, and its good that students are getting involved,” Pino said. According to Pino the group has not yet decided on a specific course of action, but participants are engaging in multiple discussions on ideas of masculinity and the roles of men in a college environment, particularly as they pertain to the issue of sexual assault. Mora, who specializes in youth and masculinity, clarified that these discussions are also meant to break down prevailing stereotypes of men.
“Where we’re going with this is ensuring that we both educate ourselves and be proactive in educating others and trying to create a culture on campus that is safe for everyone… Sexual assault impacts everyone and just because you are a male doesn’t mean you won’t be a victim,” Mora said.
In terms of further action, Mora and others see a potential partnering with OSAC in the group’s future. Both Mora and Pino expressed agreement with OSAC’s aims and ideas.
“Hopefully OMAR can build an alliance with OSAC and bring more men to the issue and have a unified student front challenging school policy,” Pino said.
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