Bemidji Pioneer: Acting responsible: BSU holds ‘Sexual Responsibility Week’ in lead-up to Valentine’s Day

BEMIDJI—In the spirit of fostering healthy relationships and a safe campus, BSU is hosting several events this week in recognition of “Sexual Responsibility Week.”

There will be several informational displays set up in the Scandinavian Room in the Lower Hobson Memorial Union through Wednesday. The displays offer door-prize opportunities for students. Adding a little flourish to the scene, the room is complete with flower petals strewn over a bed and wine glasses on a nearby stand.

In addition to the displays, “Sexual Responsibility Week” kicked off on Monday with “Condom Bingo” in the Beaux Arts Ballroom. The week also will include several lectures from national speaker and self-defense instructor Diane Long.

Long will give the presentation “Relationships, Communication and Boundaries” at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Hagg-Sauer 100, which is open to the public. According to a news release, participants “will learn skills to more effectively communicate needs and preferences, increase physical safety for themselves and others, how to interrupt harassment and abuse—whether witnessed or experienced directly—and create a campus culture of consent and mutual respect.” The interactive presentation is open to the public.

In addition, Long will give two additional presentations Wednesday focusing on empowerment, self-defense and self-care in the Crying Wolf Room.

The first will be held at 10 a.m. for faculty advisers and support staff. The second, will be held at 12:30 p.m. for student leaders. An RSVP is required for both Wednesday lectures.

Later on in the month, NTC will host CARE Bystander Intervention Training at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 26 in NTC Conference Room B. “Students will talk with peers about consent and sexually disrespectful behavior and understand ways to intervene in sexually disrespectful situations,” a press release said.

The week of activities are sponsored by the Student Center for Health and Counseling; Lifestyle Educators; the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the Hobson Memorial Union; BSU’s Center for Professional Development; the BSU Women’s Studies and Gender Studies Program; the Campus Activities Board and BSU’s Office of Affirmative Action.