Mike Domitrz is ready to share it all in this year’s annual event that highlights the importance of respect, consent and healthy dating.
A leading authority on the subject and founder of The DATE SAFE Project, Domitrz will be the keynote speaker at York U’s annual You Had Me At Consent event for students new to the University.
Organized by the Centre for Human Rights, the event runs on Sept. 8 and is planned as a part of York Orientation Day – a new program that features a full day of events and activities for incoming students.
Upwards of 6,000 students new to York University this fall are expected to attend You Had Me At Consent, according to the Office of the Vice-Provost Students.
This year’s audience includes all new students – international students, transfer students and mature students – in addition to first-year students.
Domitrz will return to York U with his signature presentation, “Can I Kiss You?”, at 2:50 p.m. at the Aviva Centre. It follows the New Student Convocation, which begins at 2 p.m.
This session explores the boundaries of dating, respect and intimacy though an uplifting and good-humored approach. Domitrz will cover topics such as: asking first for consent; making smart choices with partners; supporting survivors of sexual assault; and, intervening when danger is present at parties and group settings.
His presentation aims to be inclusive of culture, background, sexual orientation and diversity. He last presented at York U in 2012 and has spent more than 15 years inspiring students on healthier dating and communication.
York U believes that consent and awareness about sexual violence is a key message. You Had Me At Consent is an opportunity to establish norms and expectations about respect that are in line with York’s values and commitment to create a safe learning, living and community environment for all students.
In February 2015, the Board of Governors of York University passed the newly developed Policy on Sexual Assault Awareness, Prevention, and Response. York has also launched a dedicated webpage on the prevention of and response to sexual violence, here: http://safety.yorku.ca/prevention-response-sexual-violence.
Counsellors from Personal Counselling Services and peer support volunteers from Sexual Assault Suvivor’s Support Line & Leadership (SASSL) will also be on hand during the presentation to offer support to students.
For more on the Centre for Human Rights, visit http://rights.info.yorku.ca/.