Merski, Harkins: Mercyhurst University receives $40,000 ‘It’s on Us’ grant to bolster student safety

Rep. Patrick J. Harkins    January 10, 2023 | 2:54 PM

ERIE, Jan. 10 – New funding of $40,000 will help Mercyhurst University bolster security and keep the campus safe from the threat of sexual violence, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today.

The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding comes from the It’s On Us PA Grant Program administered by the state Department of Education.

“The college campus should be a supportive, nurturing place where students have the peace of mind they need to learn and mature into confident adults,” Merski said. “Today’s funding will help ensure Mercyhurst students have that sense of security and all the resources needed to ensure their safety.”

Harkins said, “No student should ever have to fear for their safety on a college campus, and no parent or caregiver should ever have to worry when they send a child off to pursue a degree. The grant funding to Mercyhurst will help the school maintain a safe environment that encourages young adults to pursue their dreams.”

It’s On Us PA is a statewide campaign that was launched in 2016. The program is designed to raise awareness about sexual assault; teach students that assault includes non-consensual sex, advise them on how to identify dangerous situations, and empower them to intervene; and foster an environment of support for sexual assault survivors.

More on the campaign is available at https://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/ItsOnUs/Pages/default.aspx.