*Trigger Warning: This post is about sexual assault.
Think about your five closest girl friends. Now think about the fact that statistically speaking, one of them will be sexually assaulted during their time on campus.
This needs to stop.
Last month, the club React to Film hosted a screening of the documentary, “The Hunting Ground.” This film follows the journey of two girls who fight back against the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses. The reason these crimes are still constantly being committed all across the country is because campuses are not taking the necessary steps to get these criminals off campus. They do not want the school’s crime statistics to reflect these negative events. instead, they insist that “these things do not happen here.” No school wants to be the first to say “rape and assault actually happens on our campus–and quite often,” so they do what they can to cover it up. This often leads to victim blaming and repeat offenders.
Here is what we can learn from this film. (These facts are not related to New Paltz in particular).
Punishments
Some actual punishments that have been implemented for students found guilty of sexual assault:
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Expelled after graduation (Also known as graduating)
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$25 fine
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$75 fine
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Forced to create a poster about how to approach a girl you like
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No punishment at all
Support for the Survivor
- One survivor was asked to leave school until “the whole thing blows over.”
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One survivor had to cut down on credits because she was in such emotional turmoil.
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Most survivors felt that telling their parents was the hardest part of the entire situation. They did not want their parents to look at them as victims.
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One girl was sexually assaulted by a football player at Notre Dame. The police claimed that they could not find him, but he played two home football games before he was contacted. The victim was harassed by the football team who told her “messing with Notre Dame football is a bad idea.” She later committed suicide.
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It is extremely hard to get statistics on sexual assault towards men because men are less likely to report the crime.
Greek Life and Sexual Assault
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Fifteen percent of lawsuits against fraternities are because of sexual assault.
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SAE (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) is known on some campuses as “Sexual Assault Expected.”
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Pledges at Yale were forced to scream “No means yes! Yes means anal!” outside of an all girls dorm building.
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Brothers in different fraternities were encouraged to share stories of sexual conquests. Anal sex is considered a victory.
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Pledges had to photograph shirtless girls at parties. Pledges with the most pictures were then rewarded by their brothers.
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Schools have trouble discipling fraternities because of the amount of money that is involved in Greek Life, and the connections to powerful alumni.
Athletes and Sexual Assault
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Often schools will not pursue accusations upon athletes because athletes, particularly football players, bring in a lot of money for their school.
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Jameis Winston has been accused of several sexual assaults throughout his time at Florida State University. He has not been charged. He was awarded the Heisman Trophy and was the first pick in the NFL 2015 draft.
When faculty try to get involved in these cases, they often end up being dismissed from their position on campus. Colleges are doing everything they can to protect their image.
So what can we do?
Pass legislation. We need to educate ourselves on campus sexual assault policies and use our voting power to make sure these problems are legally taken care of. We need to hold schools accountable for what is happening under their watch.
Support survivors. We need to listen to victims them when they tell their stories and do what we can to make them feel safe.
SUNY New Paltz Resources
www.newpaltz.edu/titleix/reporting.html
Police Action and Criminal Information
University Police
845-257-2222
Emotional Support and Advice
Psychological Counseling Center
Student Health & Counseling Center Building
845-257-2920
Judicial Action and Administrative Support
Office of Student Affairs
HAB 702
845-257-3675
Title IX Coordinator
Harassment/Discrimination Issues
Tanhena Pacheco Dunn
HAB 602A
845-257-4945
OASIS (Peer Crisis Line)
Deyo Hall G13C
845-257-4945 (closed during all breaks)
HAVEN (Peer Hotline)
Deyo Hall G13C
845-257-4930