Campus sexual assault has been a long standing and often overlooked problem both in Michigan and across the country. Many believe sexual assault won't happen to them, to someone they know or be committed by someone they know. It is common to think sexual assault isn't happening where I am, when in reality it can happen to anyone. The “Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault” initiative brings together university officials, students, law enforcement, stakeholders and legislators for a discussion on how we can inform students, empower survivors and bystanders, and prevent sexual assault on campuses.
GOALS
Change the culture surrounding sexual assault.
Make Michigan a leader in ending sexual assault among the college aged population.
Inform stakeholders, empower individuals and prevent sexual assaults.
Encourage collaboration and bipartisan efforts to identify best practices in the fight against sexual assault.
INITIATIVE CHAIRWOMAN
Michigan's First Lady, Sue Snyder
First Lady Sue Snyder has long been a supporter of Michigan’s families and children. In 2015, she has chosen to become an advocate for ending sexual assault on college university campuses – our students’ home away from home.
The issue of sexual assault has been a sensitive topic gaining national attention, and Snyder believes Michigan can and should be a leader in addressing this critical issue. As a mom whose youngest daughter is an incoming college sophomore, this issue has taken on a personal meaning. As First Lady, Snyder hopes to encourage collaboration and productive discussion in an effort to work together to bring an end to sexual assault on our college and university campuses.
There is great work already happening at our schools to help prevent assault, but there is more that can be done. This summit acts as a catalyst to a long-term initiative aimed at igniting active participation, informing stakeholders, empowering individuals, and ultimately ending assault.
In addition to sexual assault prevention, Snyder has dedicated her time to causes focused on helping Michigan’s children and families. These include Ele’s Place, healing center for grieving children and their families, with locations in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Flint.
She also supports Fostering Futures, a program working to provide foster children with the resources needed to pursue higher education. She is also an advocate for multiple organizations highlighting infant safe sleep practices and breast cancer research.
Snyder is a Dearborn native and attended Western Michigan University with a focus on business and administration. Governor and Mrs. Snyder have three young adult children.
LEGISLATIVE CO-CHAIRS
State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker
(R-Lawton)
State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker is the state senator representing Michigan’s 26th district, which includes Van Buren and Allegan Counties, and Kentwood and Gaines Twp. in Kent County.
Tonya is a graduate of Mattawan High School. She holds a B.A. in business from Michigan State University and a J.D. from the Detroit College of Law, where she graduated cum laude.
After completing her law degree, Tonya became an attorney and partner of the law firm of Schuitmaker, Cooper, Schuitmaker, Cypher and Knotek. Tonya started practicing law in 1993 where she concentrated in family, estate, business and municipal law.
Tonya was elected to the Senate in 2010 and again in 2014, following three terms in the House of Representatives. During her first term she was chosen by her Senate colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, only the second woman in Michigan’s history to hold this position.
Currently, Tonya serves on the Appropriations Committee as chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee and as vice-chair of the subcommittees on Community Colleges and Judiciary. She also serves as vice chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as a member of the Senate Energy & Technology Committee and Capital Outlay Subcommittee.
State Senator Rebekah Warren
(D-Ann Arbor)
State Senator Rebekah Warren knows the key to Michigan’s success is in its people. That’s why she has steadfastly fought for us over the past 8 years, working to ensure we have access to quality healthcare, good paying jobs, a clean environment, and strong public schools.
A long-time resident of Ann Arbor, Rebekah was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2006, where she represented the 53rd District for four years. Now in her second term as State Senator for the 18th District, she is proud to serve the majority of Washtenaw County, an area known for world-class higher education, a vital artistic community, a diverse and engaged citizenry, and so much more.
State Representative Laura Cox
(R-Livonia)
State Representative Laura Cox was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2014, representing the residents of Livonia.
Rep. Laura Cox began her public service career as a U.S. Customs special agent, learning firsthand what it takes to protect Michigan’s residents. She worked undercover, conducted surveillance and executed search warrants to stop drug traffickers and money launderers. During her 13 years as an agent, her work also included sophisticated financial investigations to stop smugglers and currency traffickers, and other duties to protect Michigan’s citizens and U.S. borders.
Rep. Cox serves on the House Appropriations Committee, chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and is vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary. She is a member of the appropriations subcommittees on the Department of Community Health and Higher Education.
Rep. Cox is a proud, two-time graduate of Michigan State University where she received a degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s in Criminal Justice Research and Planning. Laura and her husband, Mike, have four children—Lindsey, Sinéad, Conor and Rory—and two grandchildren—Grace and Savanna.
State Representative Marilyn Lane
(D-Fraser)
State Representative Marilyn Lane is serving her third term in the Michigan House of Representatives. She is representing the 31st House District, which covers Mount Clemens, Fraser and a part of Clinton Township.
As mayor of Fraser, Rep. Lane was instrumental in attracting 700 new jobs and more than $100 million in investment by bringing companies like automotive equipment supplier Faurecia from Europe to Fraser.
During her time in the Michigan House, Rep. Lane has served as the Democratic vice chairwoman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, serving as the point-person for House Democrats on road funding issues. She has also championed legislation to providing children with autism health coverage, and has been a leader on economic development, education, and seniors’ issues. She has held over 100 open office hours for residents across her district.
A lifelong resident of Macomb County, Rep. Lane and her husband, Jim, live in Fraser. They have one daughter, Pamela, who is married to their son-in-law, Ian. They have one grandson, 4-year-old Jameson.
Rep. Lane serves as the minority vice chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and on the House Committees on Regulatory Reform and Energy.