Support the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education

My name is Sydney Thomas, and my platform, Safer Spaces with Sydney, aims to increase awareness and use of sexual violence prevention resources on Virginia Tech’s campus. I hope to use my platform to contribute to a culture of respect in the Virginia Tech community, where no one has to live in fear of violence against themselves, or the people they love. If elected homecoming royalty, I will work with my sponsoring organization, Omega Phi Alpha, as well as the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education, to put on an interactive consent and bystander intervention resource fair. At this event, students and community members will be able to learn how they can make our campus a safer space.  

I chose this platform because I have seen first-hand how devastating the impacts of sexual violence can be, which is even more heartbreaking knowing just how often it is a part of the student experience. According to RAINN,13% of all college students experience rape or sexual assault, with rates even higher for undergraduate women at 26.4%. In addition, both male and female college students aged 18-24 are at increased risk of experiencing sexual violence. I chose my platform because despite the current situation, I truly believe that we, the Virginia Tech community, are capable of preventing violence on our campus.  

I am so excited to work with the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (OSVPE) on my platform. I have worked for the office as a peer educator since it was established in 2024 and wholeheartedly believe in the importance and impact of the work they do. OSVPE works to increase awareness of gender-based violence through educational campaigns and workshops, to create safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue, to promote bystander intervention, and to foster collaboration between departments and student organizations. I encourage everyone to learn more about their mission, vision, and resources at svpe.vt.edu and @svpe_vt on Instagram.  

Gifts of any amount will go towards the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education to support programming and initiatives designed to help students, faculty, and staff learn how to make Virginia Tech a safer space for all Hokies.  

Thank you in advance for your gift!