A Safe Haven on Campus

"To put it in perspective, at any of our events I will always ask the men in the room what they do on a daily basis to protect themselves. Usually, it's not a lot. Then I'll go, 'now ladies, what do you do on a daily basis to protect yourselves?' It's a totally different story," sighs Albra Wheeler, coordinator for the Women's Resource Center (WRC) at Bloomsburg University. At the WRC, Ms. Wheeler and her team of staff and volunteers provide a safe, inclusive space not only for female students, but for staff and off-campus visitors as well. 

Right now Bloomsburg is currently in the Red Zone, or the first month and a half of new semester when female freshmen students are the most likely to experience sexual assault. Just yesterday, a disoriented Ms. Wheeler had to reschedule this interview in order to meet with over 20 students, two of whom disclosed sexual assault. With so many residents seeking out assistance on a daily basis, the job of coordinator can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Luckily for those at BU, Ms. Wheeler possesses a long list of experiences and qualifications that makes the process a little easier. Serving as lead University Resource Advocate for Title IX / Sexual Misconduct, Ms. Wheeler travels across the country to provide educational workshops on consent, radical selfcare, and the LGBTQA community. However, for the past two years, she utilizes most of her to practice her duties as coordinator for the WRC within that very building.

Workers left an uplifting message located directly
outside the entrance of the Women's Resource Center.

On the dull, weather beaten walls of Schuylkill Hall stands a single promise drawn freehandedly with bright pink and yellow chalk: "You are Loved Here @ the WRC." The inside of the WRC proves to be just as vibrant and welcoming as their statement outside. A series of fairy lights weaves in and out from the top of sheer white curtains, entrapping the main room in a subtle glow. Delicate splashes of magenta and turquoise are strewn from the ceiling in the form of spherical paper garlands. The walls proudly boast an assortment of paintings and posters, subjects ranging from a watercolor depiction of what can only be Mother Theresa, to a metallic mold of the female body. According to Ms. Wheeler, it is important to keep the WRC as warm and inviting as possible. "We want to provide them with an experience that helps rather than hinders their healing experience regardless of the stage in healing they are in," she explains with an audible lisp slurring parts of her speech together.

Two peppy student workers roll back and forth on wheelie chairs between two desks as they print off dozens of flyers. One of them, a senior intern by the name of Kylie, excitedly shuffles through a vast assortment of colored markers before making a note on one of the printouts. "I love it here," exclaimed Kylie, who settled on a purple Sharpie, "Even though I've only been here three weeks, there has already been so many events we get to help out with." One such event being the What I Wore Exhibit she was printing off flyers for.

The inside of the WRC is full of feminist decorations
like the ones pictured above.

The What I Wore Exhibit takes place in the Kehr Union Building on Tuesday, September 25, which features the clothing worn by victims of assault at the time of their rape. The WRC accepts donations from both women and men, but is not yet ready to use children's clothing for the exhibit. The show, which features Bloomsburg hoodies as well as short skirts, openly ridicules victim shaming and that controversial question of "well, what were you wearing?" Ms. Wheeler frowns deeply as she thinks back on past exhibits. "I still tear up every time I have to start getting ready for it. Like, I'm literally carrying people's rapes around campus," she mumbles on the last sentence, quietly shaking her head. All participants involved on the What I Wore Exhibit strive to let victims know that their assault was not the fault of their outfit, but the fault of their assailant, and their assailant alone.

The events and resources provided by the WRC are not open exclusively to the Bloomsburg's female population, contrary to popular belief. Men work and volunteer at the WRC on a regular basis, including a male advocate on staff for male victims of sexual assault who feel more comfortable discussing their problem with another man. In fact, one male student reclines back in a cushiony gray chair as he quietly conducts his school, while an older gentleman's husky laugh resonates from an office in the back. When asked about the details of male student involvement with the WRC, Ms. Wheeler laughs, reminiscing on one occasion in particular. "Two males had fallen asleep here during one of our yoga classes, and, of course, we asked them to join. Now these young men were very athletic, very masculine, but by the end of the session they were going, 'Yo, this is the shit.' So, yes, we do have a great deal of male involvement here at the WRC."

At the end of the day, the Women's Resource Center strives to provide the female population at Bloomsburg University with the support and counseling they need after an assault. However, they gladly welcome students and staff of all genders with their arms wide open, even if they've come just to destress after a hectic day of class. The WRC remains dedicated to their goals and purpose here on campus, and shows no signs of slowing down. Ms. Albra Wheeler closes the interview with a final statement: "Women still do not receive representation, and until then we are here to provide them with the services they need."