Sexual assault awareness and prevention initiatives are sweeping the nation and seem to be centered around college campuses nationwide, including the University. Student Government’s “It’s On Us” initiative is trying to change the University’s culture regarding sexual assault. 
In September, the White House launched its own “It’s On Us,” campaign, geared to “engage college students and all members of campus communities in preventing sexual assault in the first place,” according to a White House news release. 
The White House’s efforts have included reaching out to student governments of universities and colleges around the country. 
In light of University track athlete Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake’s forcible rape accusation on Oct. 20 and a lewd sexual phrase decorating  Kappa Sigma Fraternity’s Halloween party that read “No means yes and yes means anal,” Alexis Wilson, communication studies senior and organizer of Survivor Speak Out, said she has not seen a change in the culture around campus.
K.C. White, dean of students, said the University is still trying to gather information from Kappa Sigma about the sign, pictures of which circulated online on Halloween.
“I don’t think we have all of the facts, I’m not even sure if we have half of the facts,” she said.  
White said the only information the University currently has is a copy of what was posted and information from the Kappa Sigma National Fraternity not condoning the action. From what she understands, Kappa Sigma is starting its own disciplinary process to hold the individual who wrote the sign
accountable. 
Survivor Speak Out is an open forum where students are able to talk about their experiences of sexual assault and violence to other students.  
“I’m hoping with more people coming out with it and saying that is a problem that we can change the culture,” Wilson said. “With the ‘It’s On Us’ [campaign] it kind of shows … it’s on us to help victims.”
Wilson said “It’s On Us” gives victims a sense of support during tough times. She said SG has not reached out about her program, but she would like to have their support. 
SG participated in the Student Health Center and Women’s Center’s “Take Back the Night” on Oct. 19 and recently held a competition with the Ole Miss SG to see which could get the most of its members to take the “It’s On Us” pledge. Ole Miss was victorious in the competition by less than 1percent.
Helen Frink, “It’s On Us” committee member, said SG’s initial focus for the campaign was to get people within SG to take the pledge. 
“The first step to stopping sexual assault is education and awareness, and that’s the purpose that the pledge serves,” Frink said. 
Frink attributes the changing atmosphere on campus to the rise of sexual assault attention in the media. 
“The issue is at the  forefront of people’s minds, which changes the way they think and act,” Frink said. “It will take a lot more time and effort to change the culture, though.” 
SG’s “It’s On Us” campaign will launch its “big events” next semester, said Robert Lancon, SG attorney general.