University of Arkansas RESPECT Group Earns National Recognition

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The subject matter is something most people do not talk about openly, but one student group on the University of Arkansas campus is not afraid to speak up about the often-hushed topic of rape, and it has been recognized for its efforts.

Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought, or RESPECT, is a student group on the university campus whose name truly reflects what the group does. Since the beginnings of RESPECT in 2000, University of Arkansas students have been actively engaging in conversations that challenge attitudes and beliefs surrounding rape. The group was recently recognized as a “2007 Outstanding Affiliate for Excellence in Peer Education Programs” by the BACCHUS Network, which is an acronym, for Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students.

RESPECT, which is a program of the Pat Walker Health Center, promotes an end to sexual violence through awareness, education and cultural change. Using multiple strategies, the group reaches out to University of Arkansas students through a continuous presence on campus with programming aimed toward eliminating a rape culture. The group comprises 11 student peer educators, two staff advisers, and a graduate student who acts as an assistant adviser.

“Being recognized by the BACCHUS Network as the 2007 Outstanding Affiliate for Excellence in Peer Education Programs further validates the accomplishments and awesome work done by RESPECT since its beginnings in January 2000,” said Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert, director STAR Central, and adviser to RESPECT. “It is truly an amazing accomplishment to be awarded such an honor for a program that is relatively young among all of the peer education programs on college campuses across the nation. The award exemplifies that RESPECT is a premier group, paving the way with ongoing, innovative and effective programming.”