Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.” As the Halloween Dance quickly approaches, the Wellness Center wants to remind everyone about some ways that we can all look out for one another to ensure that everyone has both a fun and safe weekend. Bystander Intervention is one of the most important things that we need to be knowledgeable of as Le Moyne students. The goal of bystander intervention is not only to stop any type of violence that is witnessed, but more importantly, to prevent any type of violence before it occurs. Violence includes but is not limited to bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and any type of abusive actions. Do not just assume that another witness will intervene. If you see something, say something! If you witness any type of violence going on, please do not hesitate to say something. Whether it is doing something yourself or notifying someone else that can help, every little bit counts.

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Think about if you were in a situation where you needed help and those around you did nothing. If this was happening to you, and you knew someone saw you getting harassed and they chose to walk away instead of saying something, how would that make you feel? Be the person that people will remember for taking action, not the one known for walking away when things get tough. Who knows, maybe one day you will be the one needing someone to stand up for you when you can’t.  

No one ever thinks it will happen to them, but it does. By preventing it from happening to someone else, you in turn protecting yourself as well. If you’re finding it difficult to be the one to step up to the plate and say something yourself, then please let someone else know who can help. We’re all dolphins here and we need to look out for one another.

Regardless of whether or not you choose to attend the dance, it is important that you continue to look out for one another as well. As a part of Le Moyne’s mission and alignment with Jesuit values, the college’s website states that, “Academic rigor, care for the development of the whole person—mind, body and soul— and a commitment of service to others are all part of the Jesuit heritage.”

See something, say something, and look out for your fellow ‘Phins. Have a safe, fun, and “healthy” Halloween weekend and remember, “Dolphins don’t let dolphins swim alone!”