The school administration recently took efforts to educate students about domestic violence prevention, starting with an Oct. 14  senior Town Hall meeting featuring Dr. Jackson Katz. Afterwords, Katz spoke to the varsity football team about the prominent problem gaining notoriety in the NFL after the suspension of Raven’s player Ray Rice for assaulting his wife. Plant varsity football player Derrick Baity talks about the one-on-one team lecture with Katz and his own advice for younger players. “

As a football player, do you think the speaker was effective?

“I didn’t feel him. He wasn’t sincere about the topic. Honestly, I mean I think it wasn’t because everything has already been emphasized.”

Do you think it was necessary?

“This issue is really big now making it more necessary.”

Do you think the lecture was aimed more at guys?

“It was definitely more to the guys.”

How would you address a situation where you knew a guy was abusing his girlfriend?

“I’d address the girl more than the guy. The girl would be the victim and be less defensive and more honest.”

What would you tell the younger players on the football team if they’re in a situation that is potentially violent?

“A guy hitting a girl is too far. Never hit a girl. No exception. I’d tell them, ‘Just walk away. Let the situation die down and don’t react in the moment. If you know you’re about to say or do something, calm down and walk away.”

Why do you think the football team was spoken to separately about the topic?

“Plant is a big leadership school because of the success of the football team. Other schools [can be expected] to follow our lead.