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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARNESS MONTH AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF FAITH COLSON IN HER ADVOCACY
WHEREAS, April is recognized in the United States as Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, according to Department of Justice data, every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted; and
WHEREAS, according to Department of Justice data, younger people are at the highest risk of sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, Faith Colson has turned her own experience as a survivor of sexual abuse by a teacher into advocacy to see changes in policies and curriculum in schools surrounding sexual assault and abuse; and
WHEREAS, HB1975, Faith’s Law, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Mussman and Rep. Fred Crespo seeks to educate teachers and school staff on the signs of grooming and how to identify the signs that a teacher may be sexually assaulting a student; and
WHEREAS, the bill would make it mandatory for schools to develop a sexual misconduct code of conduct, review employment histories, teach students about grooming and sexual misconduct in sex education and allow for in service days to educate teachers; and
WHEREAS, Faith Colson has shown a tremendous amount of strength and dedication in advocating for this vital issue and her advocacy will surely help many students across Illinois; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the important advocacy of Faith Colson; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution are presented to Faith Colson, Illinois State Representative Michelle Mussman and Illinois State Representative Fred Crespo.
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