Writings & Remarks

Invitation: Silent walk with President Tepper tomorrow, Wednesday 8:30 a.m.

October 6, 2026

Tags Public Statements

Dear Hamilton Community:

October is Dating and Domestic Violence Prevention Month (DVPM), known nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Recent headlines are a sobering reminder that no college community is immune from violence, including our own. This month gives us an opportunity to recognize the impact of dating and domestic violence, support survivors, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to foster a community grounded in respect and care.  

As part of this month’s observance, I invite you to join me tomorrow, Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. for a silent walk. We will walk from the Chapel to the labyrinth and back to bear witness to survivors of sexual and relationship violence and to reflect on the role each of us can play in preventing harm and creating a safer community. 

Hamilton is committed to preventing and addressing domestic and dating violence and sexual misconduct, and to ensuring that members of our community know where to turn for information and support. Our Sexual Misconduct Policy and resources are available on the Hamilton website. Any concerns should be reported to Debbie Owens, our director of Title IX, who is always available for consultation and help.

Throughout October, members of our community have organized additional opportunities to learn, reflect, and participate. I hope you will consider joining one or more of them. Our Title IX office is leading the events listed below.

We are a human-to-human campus. At the heart of that we are asked to treat one another with respect, dignity and care so that we may learn together free from harm or violence. Together, we must uphold this commitment.

I hope you will join me on Wednesday morning.

With care, 

Steven

October Events

Center for Intersectional Feminism

Friday, October 9, Noon, Burke Library
Survivor Support Rally
Join CIF on the steps of Burke Library to support survivors of rape and sexual misconduct, reflect, discuss, and share resources. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to speak, share stories, poetry, and find community with others.

Hamilton College Office of Title IX, Title VI and Civil Rights

Tuesday, October 20, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sadove Terrace
Meet your YWCA Advocate
Hamilton partners with YWCA Mohawk Valley to provide advocacy, accompaniment, and personal support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Stop by to meet our campus advocate and learn more about the off-campus resources that are available to you.

Thursday, October 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sadove Terrace
Purple Thursday
Purple symbolizes survival, courage, and peace. We invite the campus community to wear purple in solidarity with those impacted by relationship violence. Stop by our table to pick up a purple awareness ribbon.

Friday, October 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sadove Terrace
Meet your Title IX Coordinator
Join the Center for Intersectional Feminism and the Sexual Misconduct and Assault Reform Team and meet our Title IX staff and get answers to some FAQs. Snacks will be provided.

Friday, October 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Beinecke
Is Your Relationship Spooky?
Stop by to learn about unhealthy relationship behaviors and how to identify them before they escalate.