Netflix Actor Justin Prentice to Speak

04/03/2018 

Actor Justin Prentice uses his experiences portraying an abuser on the popular Netflix show, “13 Reasons Why,” to speak out for victims of sexual assault.

The plot of the controversial drama follows high school student Hannah Baker, who commits suicide and leaves 13 cassette tapes behind for the people who she blames as the cause of her suicide.

Prentice plays Bryce Walker, Baker’s 12th reason for killing herself. The character raped her one night at a party at his house.

Prentice will speak with SUNY Cortland students about the severity of sexual assault and the lasting impacts it can have on people on Wednesday, April 18, at SUNY Cortland. His talk begins at 8 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is linked to the Sexual Assault Awareness Month series of events being held on campus.

“It’s not directly related to Sexual Assault Awareness Month but placing the talk in April was purposeful,” said the presentation organizer Phoebe Sullivan, vice president of the Student Activities Board (SAB). The student-run SAB is responsible for setting up events with celebrities on campus each year.

 “I think it’s good for someone to come and have a conversation around this topic,” Sullivan said. “It’s kind of a taboo subject, but with everything that happens in April it helps bring awareness to what’s happening. Especially with it being such a popular show, we will draw a large crowd and be able to further raise awareness.”

The show, which premiered last fall, has received favorable reviews, but has also drawn controversy for its graphic depiction of topics like suicide and rape. Netflix recently renewed it for a second season.

The event would be a “modified conversation,” where Prentice will take questions from students, Sullivan explained.

 “The purpose of these events is to provide fun things for kids to do on campus and off,” Sullivan said. “We try to have big names come so that more people will get involved. It’s for the campus, ultimately.”

Tying into Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAB will hand out materials and resource cards from the Counseling Center.

SAB next is planning its biggest event every year, the Spring Fling concert and carnival, which is set for Saturday, April 28. The concert artist’s name will be released soon.

For more information about SAB or its upcoming events, email SAB or call 607-753-2826.

Prepared by Communications Office writing intern Hannah Bistocchi