“Now, I would have never had a Title IX claim to begin with,” Amanda Thomashow, founder of Lansing’s Survivor Strong, said. In 2014, Thomashow made the first official Title IX complaint against former Olympic doctor, Michigan State physician and now-convicted sexual predator Larry Nassar. She said this complaint, which catalyzed an investigation into Nassar and MSU, would have… Continue reading State News: Survivors, activists denounce new Title IX regulations in Democratic Women’s Caucus roundtable
Tag: Amanda Thomashow
Amanda Thomashow on Why DeVos’s New Title IX Rule Hurts Survivors
Hi. I’m Amanda Thomashow, founder and executive director of Survivor Strong, formerly known as “The 2014 Title IX Complaint.” Also, I’m tired—like, really tired—just like so many other survivors, of having to fight for rights and protections and a seat at the tables where people are discussing my best interests. So, I’m really grateful to… Continue reading Amanda Thomashow on Why DeVos’s New Title IX Rule Hurts Survivors
Tackling #SAAM With Grace
SAAM 2020 Today marks the 19th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and with it a plethora of opportunities to raise awareness about and demonstrate support for survivors of gender-based violence in your community. Teal ribbons, town halls, and infographics abound. Here at Survivor Strong, we’re doing #SAAM a little differently. The thing about being… Continue reading Tackling #SAAM With Grace
Here’s why survivors, advocates say MSU and U-M have handled sexual abuse scandals similarly
**Original Article by Megan Banta at Lansing State Journal** YPSILANTI – “Here we are, again,” two sexual assault survivors and victim advocates said Thursday morning. Another doctor abusing athletes under the guise of medical treatment. Another Michigan university that created an environment that fostered sexual abuse for decades. Different survivors, and different stories, but the same… Continue reading Here’s why survivors, advocates say MSU and U-M have handled sexual abuse scandals similarly
Thomashow: Two years after Larry Nassar’s sentencing, we are stronger together
Two-thousand-nineteen. It was a year. First there was the anniversary. Then, more court dates, motions to dismiss, victim testimonies, even a conviction. The year was full of constant, painful reminders, broken promises, agonizing discoveries, and at times a general feeling of soul crushing disappointment. This last year might have actually left us with even more questions than… Continue reading Thomashow: Two years after Larry Nassar’s sentencing, we are stronger together
Success Story: LEARNing from Survivors debuts at NMC
Sociology, psychology, and law enforcement students packed Scholars Hall Tuesday for the inaugural presentation of LEARNing from Survivors, as NMC continues ongoing efforts to empower students by increasing awareness of sexual assault and campus safety. The presentation by Morgan McCaul and Amanda Thomashow of Michigan-based Survivor Strong addressed establishing boundaries and other characteristics of healthy relationships. Their inclusive, trauma-sensitive approach is personal —… Continue reading Success Story: LEARNing from Survivors debuts at NMC
New Philly-based commission wants to learn from mishandling of cases
Former U.S Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced in 2018 to live the rest of his life in prison for multiple instances of sexual assault. Michigan State University Dean William Strampel was charged with willful neglect for knowing about the abuse, and not taking action. But survivors of Nassar’s assaults say holding individuals accountable… Continue reading New Philly-based commission wants to learn from mishandling of cases
Nationally Recognized Sister Survivors Form New Nonprofit
By Andy Walker Trinea Gonczar and Amanda Thomashow announced today that they are co-founding Survivor Strong, a new organization that will educate institutions and advocate for change to create a world where sexual assault survivors know they never have to stand alone. Both Gonczar and Thomashow are survivors of Larry Nassar, the disgraced USA Gymnastics team doctor whose prosecution was… Continue reading Nationally Recognized Sister Survivors Form New Nonprofit
‘Heart of Gold’ Team on Capturing “Historical Moment” for Women
“It feels like maybe our culture is finally shifting. Maybe survivors will be believed, and enablers will be stopped and so will predators. It’s pretty exciting,” Thomashow, who filed the first Title IX complaint against Nassar, told THR. When speaking to the crowd at the premiere, the activist said the film “gives us an amazing opportunity to learn… Continue reading ‘Heart of Gold’ Team on Capturing “Historical Moment” for Women
Survivor Amanda Thomashow steps up in courtroom and Congress
Amanda Thomashow was calmly answering questions Tuesday morning inside an Eaton County courtroom during a preliminary criminal hearing for former Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon. Then Thomashow, a victim of MSU sports doctor Larry Nassar, suddenly stopped talking. She put her hands over her face and reached for a tissue. A few hours later, Thomashow… Continue reading Survivor Amanda Thomashow steps up in courtroom and Congress