Why #ItsOnUs is a Hashtag you Should Know

Have you been on social media lately and seen the “It’s On Us” logo floating around?  I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t know what it stood for when I first saw it over my friends profile picture, but its popularity made me want to know.  After a quick Google search, I learned that in 2014 President Obama launched the campaign “It’s On Us” in efforts to end sexual assault on college campuses.  According to the White House’s webpage, “It’s On Us” asks everyone – men and women across America – to make a personal commitment to step off the sidelines and be part of the solution to campus sexual assault.”

With the creation of the campaign came a movement that flooded all social media platforms.  From Facebook to Snapchat, “It’s On Us” curated an opportunity for individuals to act on the subject and become a symbol of the movement. People who choose to "take the pledge" are taking the pledge

• To RECOGNIZE that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.*
• To IDENTIFY situations in which sexual assault may occur.*
• To INTERVENE in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.*
• To CREATE an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.* 

*itsonus.org

            Not only is “It’s On Us” on Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, but in 2015 they created multiple campaign videos featuring stars such as Zoe Saldana, Jon Hamm, Matt McGorry, and Kerry Washington.  

              These short commercials urge people to not only recognize problems associated with sexual assault such as lack of consent, but also the problem itself. 

As of today, 483 schools have hosted "It's On Us" events.  Campus organizations are using the non-profit as a gateway to end sexual assault.  Since the campaign was introduced, it has continually gained momentum.  With over 30.5k likes on Facebook, they're not slowing down any time soon.

I took the pledge, you should too.