On Nov. 28, the sisters of Sigma Delta Tau and brothers of Beta Theta Pi will host an interactive workshop on dating and sexual abuse open to the NSU community from 6-9 p.m. in room 1053 of the Carl Desantis Building.
NSU’s Delta Iota chapter of Sigma Delta Tau was asked to host the “Safe Smart Dating” workshop by Sigma Delta Tau National Headquarters and their philanthropic partner, Jewish Women International, JWI. Last year, the Delta Iota chapter won the JWI Award from the national organization which recognized NSU’s chapter for raising the money for the philanthropic group.
“This workshop is held nationally through Sigma Delta Tau chapters and we were lucky enough to be asked to host this year,” said Angela Merlino, philanthropy chair of Sigma Delta Tau.”We are excited to be working with [JWI and Sigma Delta Tau National Headquarters] with this event. We are a smaller chapter compared to other universities so this is a big deal for us to be working with national on this scale. It puts us more in touch with them and give us a closer bond with those members.”
This event will be co-hosted with the Zeta Mu chapter of Beta Theta Pi to break down boundaries between sororities and fraternities and educate the community on this issue from various perspectives.
“The brothers of Beta Theta Pi look forward to working with the sisters of Sigma Delta Tau on this event. We hope to teach the NSU community about safe dating practices. Unfortunately, people often associate Greek fraternities with sexual assault. I hope that we can remind the NSU community that as Men of Principle, Beta Theta Pi is above being the stereotypical fraternity guy,” said Montana Beneduce, outgoing president of Beta Theta Pi.
The workshop will be led by a facilitator from JWI’s national organization and group leaders from both greek organizations who will facilitate various activities during the presentation.
“People who attend will learn about signs that they haven’t thought of or noticed before. It is really going to have an impact on students. It’s not like our other hazing workshops. It’s covered [in the hazing workshops] briefly, but this workshop will really go in depth,” said Merlino.
Merlino explained that even though this event is on NSU’s campus, it is not just aimed at college students. These skills can be used by men and women for the rest of their lives and give them an understanding of healthy relationship interactions.
