TIME’S UP Ateneo launched their new website on October 15 to honor the first anniversary of their establishment and the 2019 protest against sexual misconduct. In the website, they publicized numerous testimonials and online discussions featuring sexual violence survivors and advocates against sexual harassment.
The testimonials were published in different forms, namely, interviews, open letters, and visual art. For example, Pat’s Story is a two-part interview series with Patricia Escalante (AB EU ‘15 and AB PH ‘16), who shared that numerous people supported her after she disclosed her story amid last year’s events.
“I think [receiving support] was the most beautiful thing about it. Going public—although there were some risks and fears on my part—allowed me and a community to create that space for everyone to come together and start a dialogue. […] There is a space now because people speak up, people come forward,” she said.
Time’s Up Ateneo also hosted an online commemoration on October 31, which featured Ateneo Senior High School Safe Spaces member Kara Angan, Protect Our Students! PH member Kit Andres, and Philosophy Department Instructor Danna Aduna as speakers. Angan and Andres gave insights on how students can navigate the anti-sexual violence movement, while Aduna discussed how Time’s Up Ateneo contributed to the drafting of the Code and Rules.
Aduna explained that they pushed for the clauses that prevent grooming by prohibiting amorous relationships between teachers and students. They also pushed for less restrictive non-disclosure agreements and better protection services for retaliatory instances.
She added that the creation of the Committee of Decorum and Investigation Alert form is an example of the Code and Rules making “significant progress” to address sexual violence, as University persons-in-authority are now duty-bound to report a sexual harassment act.The testimonials and online discussions can be found on Time’s Up Ateneo’s official Facebook page and website.