Over 600 participants gathered at the University of Utah this Saturday, not only to remember a life taken too early but also to foster an urgency for change. The event was the fourth annual Race for Campus Safety, an initiative of the Lauren McCluskey Foundation aimed at highlighting the need for enhanced safety on campuses nationwide, as reported by KUTV.
Lauren McCluskey, a 21-year-old University of Utah student, was tragically murdered on campus by an ex-partner in 2018. The continuous efforts of her parents through the foundation are a testament to their commitment to systemic reforms in how universities respond to intimate partner violence. "I will listen and believe you if someone is threatening you," echoes Lauren's Promise, a pledge adopted by students and faculty to acknowledge and address threats more seriously, as detailed by KSL NewsRadio.
This weekend's events are not only aimed at raising awareness but also to secure funds for the cause. As obtained by KJZZ, Jill McCluskey, Laura's mother, emphasized the critical need for universities to overhaul their handling of reports relating to intimate partner violence. This comes seven years after Lauren's passing, as her family continues to spearhead initiatives both at home and on an expanding international stage.
Edwin Gianini, Executive Director of the Lauren McCluskey Foundation, shared that the impact of the race has been remarkable, having been adopted by more than 400 universities across 17 countries. Gianini told KSL NewsRadio, “They’re in an area where they may not have the existing support network they’ve had for the last 18 years. So, you know, you have a population of people, maybe at a heightened state of vulnerability.”
