ISSUED: 14 September 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University’s departments of sociology/geography and political science are organizing a Red Flag Campaign to combat the problem of dating violence. The campaign is being spearheaded by two faculty members, Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, assistant professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Sociology and Geography, and Dr. Joseph Robbins, associate professor and chair of the Department of Political Science.
“We want to promote healthy relationships and to encourage respect. I am committed to programs and projects that encourage students to be more concerned about the health and wellness of themselves and their peers,” Howard-Bostic said. “I want the Shepherd community to join us in this effort to keep our learning environment and community safe.”
Students, faculty, staff, and the community will be encouraged to decorate red flags as warning signs for dating violence. Howard-Bostic said participants will be asked to complete a short survey. Students involved in the project will be given the opportunity to present the survey results on campus and at a professional conference.
Red Flag Campaign activities that are planned include:
- Tuesday, September 27—Kickoff lecture “The Red Flag as the Voice of the Shepherd Family” by Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, 12:25 – 1:15 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium.
- September 27-29— Students, faculty, staff, and community can participate by writing a statement on a red flag, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tables will be set up on September 27 at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, the Scarborough Library, and the Wellness Center; September 28 at the Student Center, the Wellness Center, and White Hall; and September 29 at Erma Ora Byrd Hall, the Student Center, and the Wellness Center.
- September 27-29— Participate in the Shepherd University healthy relationships Instagram project to promote healthy relationships, freedom, respect, happiness, equality, and safety using Instagram @Shepherdu.
- October 4-8—Flag display on West Campus Drive on the Shaw Hall lawn. All decorated Red Flags will be placed on the lawn to showcase Shepherd campus action regarding sexual violence prevention.
Howard-Bostic and Robbins encourage members of the entire Shepherd community to take a stand by raising red flags about jealousy, control, put-downs, abuse, and other related behaviors. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Howard-Bostic at chowardb@shepherd.edu.
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