Attorney General Balderas Announces Launch of Conscious Campus Initiative; Partners with New Mexico Institutions of Higher Learning to Combat Sexual Assault and Promote Campus Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2017

Contact: James Hallinan (505) 660-2216

New Mexico Attorney General to host Conscious Campus evening at New Mexico
Colleges and Universities to raise awareness around sexual assault

Las Vegas, NM – In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Attorney General Hector Balderas announced the launch of his office’s statewide Conscious Campus initiative. The educational initiative aims to help college communities discuss the realities of sexual assault on campus, explore interventions, and benefit from community resources.

“I applaud my alma mater, Highlands University and other participating colleges in New Mexico for taking steps toward making their campuses safer,” said Attorney General Balderas. “This initiative brings together college and university communities, government officials, health professionals, and law enforcement to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the realities of sexual assault and connects students with critical resources.”

Furthering its work to promote public safety, the Office of the Attorney General will kick off its initiative by hosting Conscious Campus nights at four New Mexico campuses – Highlands University, Eastern New Mexico University, Central New Mexico Community College and New Mexico State University. These evening events—which are free and open to the public—are designed to raise student awareness and engage college communities in efforts to prevent, recognize and report instances of sexual violence within campus communities. Each event will include a screening of “The Hunting Ground” followed by a moderated panel discussion and resource fair.

The first Conscious Campus event will be held at New Mexico Highlands University on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 5:30 PM in the Ilfeld Auditorium. More detailed information will be released starting tomorrow regarding each campus’ events.

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