UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With sexual violence being prevalent in the United States and globally — and a focus of discussion — various perspectives are often shared. Adding to this important discussion, however, are connections some may not have considered — the connections among rape, racism, and healthy masculinity. Neil Irvin, executive director of Men Can Stop Rape, facilitates his program “Rape, Racism, and Healthy Masculinity: How are they Connected?” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Freeman Auditorium in the HUB-Robeson Center, University Park. This event is free and open to the public.
The presentation will discuss the racist history of rape, the challenges to connecting anti-rape and anti-racism work, and the promise of creating a collective commitment to preventing racism and gender-based violence through non-violent communication.
“There are so many connections among issues we discuss and issues that impact the lives of our students and community,” said Jennifer Pencek, programming coordinator of Penn State’s Center for Women Students, a unit of Student Affairs, which is sponsoring the event with the Multicultural Resource Center. “If we are to make a positive difference, we need to be willing to have difficult conversations and truly participate in those conversations, as well as play an active role in preventing racism and gender-based violence.”
Irvin is internationally recognized for his approach to positively engaging men in the prevention of sexual and domestic violence. During the past 16 years, his work has reached more than 60 million men and boys through his collaborations and professional responsibilities, pioneering youth developmental programs, public education campaigns, trainings and presentations. He has consulted to national and international government and grassroots institutions and organizations.
For more information on Irvin and/or Men Can Stop Rape, visit www.mencanstoprape.org. You can learn more about this and other exciting events at studentaffairs.psu.edu/womenscenter.
The event is funded by UPAC, the University Park Allocation Committee.