In May of 2003, sophomores Liza Schirmer and Melissa Askins created a new organization to battle, educate and campaign on the issues of sexual assault. Students Against Sexual Assault held its first meeting on Sept. 18. SASA is a component of Elon Volunteers! and also takes part in the male-focused national White Ribbon Campaign.

The White Ribbon Campaign was started in 1991 in Quebec after 14 female college students were massacred. The white ribbons are worn as a symbol of men’s opposition to men’s violence against women. However, this is only a portion of what SASA advocates and teaches.

Through SASA, students are educated about the issues with sexual assault. Education is delivered through Crossroads, a local shelter for sexual assault in Burlington. SASA is set up as a campaigning and educating program, much like Alcohol 101.

The group is always looking to spread the word about sexual assault and recruit new members, especially men.

"One out of every three women and one out of every five men are sexually assaulted by the age of 18. Elon does not offer this type of education, but people need to be aware of this," said Schirmer. "We are off to a good start, but we really need males to join."

To become a member of SASA, students should attend the group meetings, which are held every other Monday at 9 p.m. in Moseley Center.

SASA has some programs and campaigns in the works to share its message with the Elon community. In November, Elon 101 classes will be visited by members of SASA and there also will be White Ribbon/SASA campaigns.

In the spring the group will assist in the "Take Back the Night" protest, along with other events.

Freshman Kelly Jeffrey said she thinks the group is a great idea. "Its good for student to realize that sexual assault is out there and it is a problem," she said. "I’m glad there are students trying to do something about it."