Campus sexual assault
[22] Methodological differences, such as the method of survey administration, the definition of rape or sexual assault used, the wording of questions, and the time period studied contribute to these disparities.
For instance, practices, rules, distribution or resources, and the ideologies of the university or college can promote unhealthy beliefs about gender and can in turn contribute to campus sexual assault.
[50] The 2015 AAU Campus Climate Survey report found that transgender and gender non-conforming students were more likely than their peers to experience a sexual assault involving physical force or incapacitation.
[59] The obstacles that LGBTQ students face with regard to sexual assault can be attributed not only to internalized homophobia, but also to institutionalized heterosexism and cisexism within college campuses.
[44] A study conducted by Elizabeth Armstrong, Laura Hamilton and Brian Sweeney in 2006 suggests that it is the culture and gendered nature of fraternity parties that create an environment with greater likelihood of sexual assault.
[30] Individual and peer group attitudes have also been identified as an important risk factor for the perpetration of sexual assault among college aged men in the United States.
"[84] The Red Zone refers to spikes in sexual assault incidents that occur on college campuses in the fall semester (typically August through November).
Additionally, those who participate in ‘rushing’ (the process of joining a sorority or fraternity) are more likely to be exposed to alcohol and party culture[85] The term ‘red zone’ first appeared in freelance journalist Robin Warshaw's book I Never Called It Rape, which was published in 1998.
Multiple sources[88][89] claim that David Lisak, a clinical psychologist and former associate professor from the University of Massachusetts Boston[90] coined the term ‘red zone’.
Under Title IX, schools are required to make efforts to prevent sexual violence and harassment, and to have policies in place for investigating complaints and protecting victims.
[103] Numerous colleges in the United States have come under federal investigation for their handling of sexual assault cases, described by civil rights groups as discriminatory and inappropriate.
"[110] A Tennessee court also found that student expelled under an affirmative consent policy was required to prove his innocence, contrary to legal practice and due process rights.
[111] In response to the widespread issue of sexual violence on college campuses and inadequate measures taken by administration to protect survivors, students and other activist groups are organizing to challenge cultures of disbelief, victim blaming, and institutional neglect.
These movements aim to advocate for systemic reforms that hold perpetrators accountable for criminal actions, provide sufficient counseling and support services, and afford students a safer campus environment.
Lena Sclove, a student at Brown University, received media attention when she expressed that the one-year suspension of Daniel Kopin, who was accused of sexually assaulting her, was not an sufficient punishment due to the severity of the act he committed.
Throughout the trial, Miller remained anonymous through the pseudonym "Emily Doe" but stirred the public with her victim impact statement, starting a nationwide conversation.
The organization aims to combat various forms of discrimination, including sexual violence, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism, through public education and advocacy.
UVM athletics faced intense backlash for protecting abusers within its institution, according to student sources, and the men's basketball team in particular is the target for numerous allegations.
Brett Sokolow, executive director of the Association of Title IX Administrators and president of the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management stated, "I think probably a lot of colleges translated the 'Dear Colleague' letter as 'favor the victim'.
Shortly thereafter, the Department of Education released a list of 55 colleges and universities across the country that it was investigating for possible Title IX violations in relation to sexual assault.
Critics claim that the "preponderance of the evidence" standard required by Title IX is not an appropriate basis for determining guilt or innocence, and can lead to students being wrongfully expelled.
[148] In it, NCHERM expressed praise for Obama's initiatives to end sexual assault on college campuses, and called attention to several areas of concern they hoped to help address.
In early 2014, the group RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) wrote an open letter to the White House calling for campus hearings to be de-emphasized due to their lack of accountability for survivors and victims of sexual violence.
[152] In response to concerns, in 2014 the White House Task Force provided new regulations requiring schools to permit the accused to bring advisers and be clearer about their processes and how they determine punishments.
Mary Koss, a University of Arizona professor, co-authored a peer-reviewed paper in 2014 that argues for a "restorative justice" response – which could include counseling, close monitoring, and community service – as a better paradigm than the judicial model most campus hearing panels resemble.
[180] One study found that a large percentage of university students know victims of sexual assault, and that this personal knowledge differs among ethnic groups.
Social media is an important tool on college campuses that pushes the conversation further, addresses myths, and helps provide education and support for survivors and allies.
Media has done this by providing an open platform for students and a space for people to share stories which helps victims and survivors to feel less isolated and heal from their experiences.
Hashtags are significant when it comes to sexual assault awareness within college campuses as they create easy access to a community of support for survivors, victims, and activists.
Research conducted by Pryor et al. reported that college student definitions of sexual harassment in Germany, Australia, Brazil, and North America vary.
