The University of Idaho Brotherhood Empowerment Against Rape (B.E.A.R.) program will be inactive for the remainder of this semester, but its programming will continue.
Dean of Students Bruce Pitman said the group had effective programming for safe spring break practices and sexual assault prevention strategy.
“They also did very nice brief programs like the ‘You are Beautiful’ program where members distributed cards that said ‘you are beautiful’ on campus,” Pitman said. “They also tried to create an awareness program largely for men, largely aimed at fraternities aimed at making safe choices and also did some new student orientations.”
Pitman said although the program will be missed, and there is no immediate plan to bring the program back next semester, assorted staff members will step up to fill the gaps.
“We are working with the dean of students to develop an interim program coordinator for sexual assault and violence prevention,” Heather Gasser, director of the Women’s Center said. “We have service learning interns working to put together a program in response to not having a direct program on campus.”
Gasser said the Women’s Center will host movies, discussions, a speaker and other activities in April for sexual assault awareness month.
The Dean of Students Office will take over the safe spring break programming.
“Part of the Dean of Students Office is alcohol programming,” said Matt Kurz, Greek adviser.
Kurz said there will be advertisements in The Argonaut with alcohol facts and tabling in the Idaho Commons Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We will have a drink pouring with water,” Kurz said. “We have students pour how much alcohol they would in a drink and then put it into shot glasses to see how much it is. Our main goal is giving students information to be safe.”
The Moscow Police Department will also continue B.E.A.R. programming.
“We have worked in conjunction with B.E.A.R. since they started,” Lt. Dave Lehmitz said. “We have every intent to continue with our programming.”
Lehmitz said the police department mostly worked with sexual assault awareness
“Instead of always targeting to get females and raise awareness with females, we go to fraternities and residence halls to target males as well,” Lehmitz said. “Doesn’t safety start with everyone, male or female?”
Pitman said the Dean of Students Office may take on other aspects of B.E.A.R. programming.
“We are taking time to consider how we might do some similar programs including alcohol awareness, mental health and sexual assault prevention,” Pitman said.
All of the groups who plan to continue B.E.A.R. programming said they did not consider it a burden because the information is worth sharing.
“We are a busy office, but it is that important,” Gasser said. “It’s a priority that students who come to campus receive sexual assault education.”