Rudd announces seven new sexual assault prevention measures

In an email to students, faculty and staff, University of Memphis President M. David Rudd announced the school would be taking seven new steps to ensure student safety and try to curb sexual assault.

These changes are in response to an open conversation about student sexual assault hosted by the administration Wednesday. The conversation was announced after The Daily Helmsman reported a student being raped twice in 20 days in separate off-campus incidents. 

"To all of the women and men sharing personal stories, thank you," Rudd said in the email. "Your willingness to engage in discussion of such painful experiences is not only courageous, but it gives me genuine hope we can identify new and productive steps forward in an effort to rid the University of Memphis campus of this abhorrent behavior and prevent future tragedies."

First, the university will create personal defense classes that are free of charge to students. These will teach the Rape Aggression Defense method used by police departments.

Second, the university is creating a new position in the administration for a sexual assault prevention specialist.

Third, the administration offered its support in creating a student-led organization to teach sexual assault prevention and education. 

Fourth, Rudd announced the U of M encourages different university departments to conduct their own campus research. This would allow the administration to study the issue from more than one point of view.

Fifth, a program will be created for students who are victims of sexual assault to have a support group with other victims to help them along what could be a long legal process in this city.

Sixth, Dean of Students Justin Lawhead will lead a stakeholder meeting to review the resources for sexual assault prevention as well as discuss if any further measures should be taken.

Lastly, Rudd said the school's Sexual Assault Prevention Taskforce will continue to meet and discuss the campus sexual assault climate. 

Rudd previously announced he will be hosting a free monthly luncheon for students to meet with him and discuss any concerns they may have. The first date, time and location of the luncheon will be announced Monday, the email said.

This story will be updated as more information is available.