On Monday, the members of Womyn's Concerns had the opportunity to talk with the two pairs of people running for Undergraduate Student Goverment president and vice president. We were pleased that both candidates included rape and sexual assault as part of their platforms -- the issue is important for everyone.

However, as a group we found Josh Bokee and Kerith Strano's idea of consolidating and strengthening rape and assault education the more practical plan of the two. Many rape prevention and counseling programs already exist, both on and off campus, but they are not publicized enough. It is critical that students know where to get the help they need. Strano also stressed the need for preventative meausre, such as mandatory rape/sexual assault education for first-year and transfer students. Such programs would inform students of the resources available for victims, as well outlining the consequences of unacceptable behavior.

We were troubled by Corey O'Brien's promise of establishing a 24-hour on-campus rape hotline becuase he seemed unaware that the Women's Resource Center already provides such a hotline. In these times of budget cutbacks, duplicating already available resources is unnecessary and impractical.

Womyn's Concerns urges anyone concerned about rape or sexual assault to vote for Josh Bokee and Kerith Strano for USG president and vice president.