By Jon Gambrell
Enquirer contributor

OXFORD - A group of Miami University men is trying to educate male classmates about date rape and other improper sexual activity.

The Men Advocating Responsible Sex group, founded two years ago, is composed of several undergraduate students who give talks to male on-campus organizations.

"Traditional sexual assault training was geared toward women, but there was no program for a long time to address the root causes, men," said Kip Alishio, director of Miami's student counseling service and facilitator for MARS. "As programs for men developed, they were confrontational and blaming, and not many men paid any attention."

Alishio said MARS' goal is to help men develop empathy for sexual assault victims and to understand sexual behavior.

The University of Cincinnati has an anti-sexual assault group and Northern Kentucky University and Xavier University have counselors available, but a check of local campuses didn't find another such all-male group.

Nancy Ferguson, director of the Butler County Rape Crisis Program, praised the Miami students' effort.

'I like the emphasis on men's responsibility in sexual assaults,' she said. "Traditionally, programs focus on the women, but they aren't the ones committing the crime."

The typical MARS talk will include a video, followed by discussion about scenarios in which sexual assaults could happen.

By having the groups all male, dialogue and questions can flow more freely, Alishio said.

"By using 'peer pressure' and information and providing leadership, men on campus can make healthy sexual decisions," he said.

Matt Harvey, 21, a marketing major from Columbus involved with MARS, said the issue of consent often triggers the most discussion - and arguments - when he gives talks. "It can be really tough to introduce the idea that when a female is intoxicated, she can't give consent," he said.

Another student, Jessie Beyrer, 25, an ex-Marine studying diplomacy and foreign affairs, said his work with MARS has changed the way he interacts with others on campus.

While the group may not reach everyone, Beyrer is confident it is making a difference, even "if we reach just one."

To contact MARS call Miami University Student Counseling Center at (513) 529-4634.

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E-mail jgambrell@fuse.net