Seton Hill President Mary Finger Joins Regional College and University Leaders to Speak Out Against Sexual Assault on Campuses

Seton Hill University President Mary Finger has joined with the leaders of 12 other colleges and universities in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties to speak out against sexual violence on college campuses.

President Finger participated in a special briefing and press conference on campus sexual violence planned by the FISA Foundation and held at the University Club on the University of Pittsburgh's campus in Oakland, Pa. on September 11.

The event was held to support the Southwest PA Says No More video series, which features President Finger and other regional higher education leaders and emphasizes the importance of addressing sexual violence, refusing to tolerate abuse on campus and encouraging victims to report and seek assistance.

“We are fortunate to be part of a community where higher education leaders have an extraordinary commitment to end sexual violence, harassment and discrimination.”

At the event, President Finger discussed Seton Hill’s longstanding partnership with the Blackburn Center to change the attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate rape culture, and to challenge the belief that gender violence is inevitable.  

"Seton Hill's sustained commitment to educational programming about violence ensures our students have a safe place to ask questions as well as resources and referrals on this significant issue facing colleges and universities across the country," she said. 

In addition to Seton Hill, the leaders of Saint Vincent College, the University of Pittsburgh and Pitt-Greensburg, Westmoreland County Community College, Chatham University, Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University, the Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, LaRoche College, Point Park University and Robert Morris University participated in the video series.

Photo above: President Mary Finger with Carlow President Suzanne Mellon and Chatham President David Finegold at the "Southwest Pennsylvania Says No More" press conference on Monday, September 11 hosted by the FISA Foundation at the University of Pittsburgh.

Read the Tribune-Review story about the event.

President Mary Finger, along with presidents from 12 other colleges and universities in southwestern PA, speaks out against sexual violence on college campuses through this special Southwest PA Says No More initiative.

Watch President Finger's full message below: