Although the University of Idaho is lucky to not have a vehement problem with predators, the biggest issue when it comes to combating campus violence is apathy, said Sara Spritzer, ASUI director of safety and violence prevention.
Spritzer thinks Green Dot is an invaluable program on UI campus that can help the apathy issue.
“A lot of students just don’t care, and it’s hard to pretend you care when you don’t, but Green Dot is a thing that I, that I think if a lot of students gave it a try they could really care about it, and that could change a lot of negative attitudes and bring a positive light to campus,” Spritzer said. “We have a really tight-knit community, and we could all have each other’s backs — Greeks, non-greeks, athletes, everyone — regardless of who you are, you’re a Vandal, and bigger than that, you’re a person and there’s a lot of weight in people just caring and putting themselves out there to protect someone else.”
Green Dot is a program ASUI brought to campus last year to address Red Dots, which Spritzer describes as any situation that makes someone uncomfortable — whether it be physical violence, an inappropriate joke or anything in between.
Green Dot aims to educate students about campus violence and train them how to respond in the case of a potentially dangerous situation. Sprtizer said she thinks the majority of people will do something to intervene or prevent an act of violence if they have the drive and the tools Green Dot provides.
As Green Dot enters its second year on campus, ASUI Vice President Sarah Vetsmany hopes to continue to spread awareness about the program and other violence prevention efforts.
“ASUI is hoping to create a greater awareness of programs that deal with violence prevention, specifically Green Dot. When those unfortunate incidents do occur, students often don’t know where to turn first — this is what I would like to see ASUI, and particularly Green Dot change,” Vetsmany said. “Green Dot should be a program that students are able to recognize just as the ‘I Got Your Back’ program. We truly believe that a greater awareness of these programs will discourage actions that put the physical and emotional wellness of students in jeopardy.”
Spritzer, who said she previously fell victim to a stalking incident, continues to utilize the many resources on campus.
“The Counseling and Testing Center is awesome,” Spritzer said. “Also, the Dean of Students Office. The associate dean of students, Craig Chatriand, is an amazing guy, and he really helped me through that situation, and he still checks in on me and makes sure everything’s going fine. Every single person on campus cares, and that really helps.”
Spritzer said ASUI has planned several programs regarding violence prevention, particularly having to do with Katy Benoit Safety Week, which kicks off Sept. 15. Events include an open forum on the new gun policy and several activities to get students interested and involved in violence prevention.
“I think if more students get involved, everyone will have a better understanding,” Spritzer said.
Vetsmany said violence prevention is so important that ASUI will start requiring all its members to partake in Green Dot training in the near future. Additionally, Vetsmany said senate plans to write a resolution supporting campus wide physical, emotional and sexual safety.
“Change is only plausible if it starts internally,” Vetsmany said. “In this case, it would mean within our own student government.”
Hannah Shirley can be reached at arg-news.uidaho.edu