University launches It Takes All Heels safety campaign
The initiative for a safer Carolina highlights Tar Heels’ shared responsibility in preventing violence.
This month, Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services and Carolina Behavioral Assessment and Management are launching It Takes All Heels, a University-wide campaign to create a safer and more proactive campus community. Co-created with UNC Creative Designer Sharon Chung ’25 (MA), this initiative highlights the shared responsibility of students, faculty, staff and visitors in preventing violence.
“We developed this campaign to emphasize that safety isn’t just the job of one department or one group. It truly takes all Heels,” said Angel Gray, UNC threat assessment and management director. “When every Tar Heel knows how to recognize and respond to concerning behavior, we create a campus where people look out for one another.”
The campaign’s launch coincides with National Campus Safety Month and National Hazing Prevention Week, Sept. 22–26. Throughout the year, VPAS and CBAM will host events and activities to raise awareness.
Students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to take part in the one-hour Be That Tar Heel training. This training, open to all University departments, groups and organizations by request, teaches participants how to identify early signs of concern, explore strategies for safe interventions and gain the tools needed to develop safety plans.
“Be That Tar Heel training empowers participants with knowledge, skills and resources to prevent violence and support others in our community,” said Holly Lovern, violence prevention and advocacy services director. “We want everyone to feel more confident and prepared to respond, knowing they are an important part of creating a safer Carolina and contributing to our culture of compassion and care.”
Visit the It Takes All Heels campaign website to learn more or request training for a department, group or organization.
