‘No Zebras’ makes its way to DVD

The series of skits for incoming freshmen called “No Zebras, No
Excuses: What College Students Need to Know About Sexual Aggression”
won’t be just a CMU production anymore.

Producers are putting the 90-minute performance by CMU’s Sexual
Aggression Peer Advocates (SAPA) on DVD and will package it with the
script of each skit.

Sexual aggression services coordinator Stephen M. Thompson, main
author of “No Zebras, No Excuses,” said producers hope to have the set
available to other universities around the nation as early as November.

“I think it is good information they should show to seniors entering
college or to other universities that don’t have that kind of program,”
said Swartz Creek freshman Nicole Buchanan.

SAPA presented the skits to various high schools and universities of
the Midwest. Also, some military academies have adopted elements of
SAPA’s peer counseling in their own programs.

“It shed some light for girls entering college and just being
careful in general,” said Brighton senior Rachelle Leicht.

The skits set up various scenarios of sexual assault and harassment
that can happen on any university campus.

Thompson developed the skits with SAPA during the late 90s. The
student volunteers helped counsel others with issues concerning rape,
stalking and harassment.

In the past year, SAPA officials surveyed CMU freshman and
significantly found “No Zebras, No Excuses” increased their awareness
of sexual assault. In the next year, officials would like to study the
long-term impact.

Some students have a different opinion of the performance.

Portage sophomore Lance Meister said the idea of the skits was
nothing he did not already know about.

“Basically it was a scare tactic because no guy in his right mind is
going to sit and watch a girl get harassed,” he said. “That stuff is
already beat into your head by college. I think it’s just common sense.”

The general opinions of those interviewed believe the “No Zebras, No
Excuses” skits should be shown in high school to increase awareness
before entering college.

Those who would like to reserve a copy of the DVD can e-mail
Thompson at stephen.m.thompson@cmich.edu.