The Sterling College Criminal Justice Program will host a special keynote event on Tuesday, April 22, featuring a screening of the powerful documentary Loud Enough – Surviving Justice, followed by a question-and-answer discussion. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in Culbertson Auditorium in Spencer Hall, and is free and open to the public.

“This event provides a powerful and unique learning opportunity for our students and the broader community to engage with real-world issues at the intersection of criminal justice, advocacy, and faith. Hearing directly from Madison Smith Thayer and her family brings a personal and deeply human perspective to the systemic challenges survivors face, and encourages meaningful dialogue about justice, accountability, and change,” said Dr. Donna Devlin, assistant professor of American history and government.

Loud Enough – Surviving Justice is a 61-minute documentary that follows Kansas college student Madison Smith and her family as they seek justice following a violent sexual assault and a failed prosecution. Despite strong physical evidence and a compelling case, the local prosecutor declined to press charges. The film details the Smith family’s unwavering pursuit of legal accountability and systemic change—spotlighting their transformation into activists and advocates for reform.

The post-screening question-and-answer session will feature Madison Smith Thayer, and her parents, providing attendees a unique opportunity to hear directly from the family whose story is at the heart of the film.

The Criminal Justice Program at Sterling College regularly hosts keynote events that bring leading voices and compelling issues to campus. Previous speakers have included Derek Schmidt, former Kansas Attorney General; Stephen McAllister, former U.S. District Attorney for Kansas; and Caleb Stegall, Kansas Supreme Court Justice.

Also present at the event will be representatives from BrightHouse, a local organization serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Rice County. BrightHouse “provides confidential, non-judgmental support to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, their families and friends.” For more information, visit: www.brighthouseks.org 

For more information on the film, visit www.wmm.com/catalog/film/loud-enough.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.