UI warns of sexual assault

The University of Iowa issued a crime alert Monday in response to a report of sexual assault that occurred over the weekend on campus.

According to an email sent out to UI students on Dec. 5 from Scott Beckner, assistant vice president and director of Public Safety, the assault occurred around 11 p.m. on Dec. 3 in an East Side residence hall.

The email said the assault was perpetrated by an acquaintance of the victim. In his email, Beckner urged students to realize that consensual sex occurs when both partners agree to engage in sexual activity.

Beckner added that consent “should always be mutual, voluntary, enthusiastic, and given without pressure, intimidation, or fear.”

To report an instance of sexual assault or any crime for that matter, contact 911 or UI Police at (319) 335-5022.

To find information about self-care options after an assault, including information about the Rape Victim Advocacy Program, contact (319) 335-6000.

— by Charles Peckman

Hawk Shop to drop sales tax

As the result of administrative response to a University of Iowa Student Government resolution passed last week, the UI has decided to stop charging Iowa’s standard 6 percent sales tax on all items sold in the IMU Hawk Shop.

The proposal, as reported in a Daily Iowan story, asked the UI to consider a tax-free Hawk Shop.

Rachel Zuckerman, the president of UI Student Government, said, “We’re obviously incredibly excited about the passing of this legislation.”

Zuckerman said Iowa has been losing state funding for public universities, and tuition increases are a concern among students.

Although UISG has had trouble passing meaningful legislation in the past to reduce tuition increases, Zuckerman said, “We have to get creative in order to make the college experience more affordable for all students.”

Zuckerman said, “Although these things not traditionally thought of as cost-reduction mechanisms, we have had much better experience with things like textbooks, housing, and food.”

She said it is hard to predict what type of effect this will have on private bookstores such as Iowa Book and Supply, but she hopes  “all Iowa City entities perform well.”

In terms of the UI’s administration taking action based on UISG resolutions, Zuckerman said that under President Bruce Harreld’s leadership, the shared governance between student groups and the administration has “increased dramatically.”

— by Charles Peckman