Dear Activist:
As a survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, I know too well how difficult it is to go on with your life as if nothing has happened. I started two support groups at Raymond Walters College in the fall quarter 2009 to bring together survivors and their support systems in an attempt to offer emotional support for those of us dealing with these horrific issues. In good faith, I scheduled the first meeting of the support groups. I was immediately contacted via email by Dean Don O’Meara that I am to inform the faculty immediately that the support groups have been cancelled. The UC attorneys have decided that there would be legal liability issues if a faculty member ran a support group on campus. I forwarded the Dean’s email to the faculty with the announcement of the cancellation of the support groups. I informed the faculty that I would make myself available for individuals dealing with these issues and gave them my contact information. The head of my department, Lynn Ritchey, sent out the following email immediately:
Dear Faculty,
The Behavioral Science Department faculty did not support Dr. Fisher’s support group for a variety of reasons, a few of which are documented below regarding University policy and liability issues. The Department does appreciate Dr. Fisher’s commitment to these issues. However, even our licensed psychologist DO NOT discuss such sensitive issues with their students. The Behavioral Science Department would suggest that if you have such students to refer them to the University Counseling Services for professional referrals. You can contact Connie Moody for more information on the services the University has in place for such students.
Lynn Ritchey, PhD
Academic Unit Head
Behavioral Science Department
Make no mistake. The University has told me I cannot counsel students. Whether the University, its legal council, the Dean, or the Behavioral Sciences Department understands it, there IS a HUGE difference between offering emotional support and providing counseling. I am not a licensed counselor nor am I a psychologist. I am a survivor who empathizes with other survivors. I, too, know what it feels like to be a victim, to be a survivor, to attempt to manage the unmanageable. I did not choose to be a victim, but I chose to be a survivor. I have faith in your ability to survive your victimization too. Together, we can support each other to overcome the obstacles that have been placed in our paths in life.
Dr. Edie Fisher
RWC Department of Behavioral Sciences