Campus News

April 14th, 2026

'Tea Talk' highlights 'Consent Revolution'

Dove Center, GC host educational event about sexual consent

"Tea Talk" at last Thursday's Consent Revolution turned out to be about something more important than just tea.

Tea was actually a helpful euphemism for sex, and a strategy for discussing the issue of sexual consent during the event, organized by the Dove Center and co-hosted with Garrett College. Tiffany Keller, the Dove Center's school outreach specialist with Garrett College, said "I think the 'tea talk' is a pretty smart way of approaching this conversation."

Keller was able to use drawings associated with the tea theme to discuss consent with attendees with an upbeat approach. The drawings had stick people consenting to tea, not consenting to tea – and not being able to give informed consent for tea.

Real tea and an assortment of desserts were available for attendees. Keller, Garrett College Director of Compliance Shelley Menear, staff members from both of their organizations, and community volunteers also offered art activities, games, and prizes for those in attendance.

"I loved getting to walk around and see what was going on at every booth and table, and how people were interacting," said Rebekah Mast, a Garrett College freshman from Grantsville. "It was nice to get to see people who were genuinely interested in the topics and the information that others had to offer."

"This event calls for me as an outreach provider to consistently stay in touch with the challenges that college students may face in the realm of consent," said Keller. "I feel so grateful to be working in a field that requires balancing what is fundamental in sexual assault prevention with societal changes.

"Staying committed and meeting young adults where they are is of the utmost importance to me," Keller added. "I'm so glad that Garrett College supports the Dove Center on this important initiative."

The Consent Revolution was scheduled to coincide with April's designation as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Menear noted that the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault estimates that 1-in-8 college students are sexually assaulted while in college.

"The Dove Center is such an outstanding resource. Their work in supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and educating people on healthy relationships, is so important to our community," said Menear.

The Dove Center's mission is to provide "safety, advocacy, and counseling to individuals whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence and/or sexual assault" while working to expand public awareness of those issues.

Notes: A "Tea and Consent" video similar to the presentation shared at the Consent Revolution is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exobo1GmYjs.