The Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Safety Task Force, which is working to improve Hesston College’s policies and practices to make Hesston a safer campus for all, is extending an invitation to alumni who wish to talk with the task force about their thoughts or concerns on sexual misconduct at Hesston College.

Respondents may contact the task force at HesstonCollegeTaskForce@gmail.com, or safehope, an outside entity, at 316-283-0350. Safehope is an advocacy and assistant organization based out of Newton, Kan., for sexual assault victims to seek help and support.

Group facilitator Dr. Jeanette Harder, will also be at the Mennonite Church USA convention in Orlando in July, and can schedule appointments to meet with people during that time. Contact the task force email to schedule an appointment.

The task force’s responsibilities as outlined in the group’s purposes statement is to “conduct an independent objective assessment upon which to make recommendations to Hesston College’s Administrative Council and Board of Directors for policies and procedures that, when implemented, will create a healthy culture of interpersonal safety at Hesston College.” The group is led by facilitator Dr. Harder, a social work professor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, a researcher, author and trainer in violence prevention, and co-founder and board president for Dove’s Nest, a faith-based organization whose mission is to keep children and youth safe in faith communities. Other members include three members at arms’ length from Hesston College and three Hesston College faculty or staff members.