Liz Knight
December 1, 2014
Unit 3 Essay
Decreasing Sexual Assaults on College Campuses
Introduction:
College is a time in every young adult’s life when they venture off away from family and
embrace a sense of independence through adventures taken; but when those adventures turn into
court cases, we must stop and reevaluate how safe these colleges attended really are. Being in
college now, we see the amount of funding being invested into sports teams and more dorms, but
the efficiency of security can still be questioned. As sexual assaults are increasing on college
campuses, the funds to prevent these assaults must increase as well. College campus
administration should transfer funds from overfunded programs to safety programs in
order to increase funding and protection and decrease third-party contributor reliance.
The transferring of funds would allow more security on campuses and the decreases reliance on
third-party contributors would decrease the outside interference of these parties on more
important matters.
Fraternity Member Sexual Assaults [Circumstance (Quantitative Revision)]:
Greek life is a huge part of college life on most campuses. With fraternity life being such
a large influences on college students, the increase of sexual assaults committed by fraternity
members is a problem that cannot be overlooked. In Jon Marcus’ “Schools for Scandal: Can
Fraternities Shed Their Sinister Image?”, “research by the National Institute of Justice found that
fraternity men are more likely to commit sexual assaults than men who are not in fraternities”
(Marcus). Being that fraternity men are more likely to commit sexual assaults, “Fisher, Cullen
and Turner (2000) found that of the rapes reported by students surveyed in their study, 10.3%
occurred in a fraternity house” out of the whole university, and this was out of the 5% of sexual
assaults actually reported on campuses. (“West”). The power these fraternities have within
administration and the relationships they possess with contributors directly supports the policy of
reducing the reliance on these contributors so that when these fraternity members commit crimes
in the comfort of their own home, they can be assured measures will be taken against the acts in
support of the victims. Lack of punishment against fraternity members has become such a big
problem that “Marie Claire reported last fall, college women nationwide say they’re being
contradicted, discouraged and ignored when they come forward to report sexual assaults” (Ellis).
With other more serious crimes, we see that according to the Bureau of Justice, “the percentage
of unreported serious violent victimizations declines from 50 percent in 1994 to 42 percent in
2010” (“Bureau”). But with sexual assaults on college campuses, the same study fewer than 5%
of completes and attempted rapes are reported to law enforcement officials, and the numbers are
even lower for other sexual assault forms (“Bureau”). Seeing as the number of incidents is
increasing every year, and the rate of reporting is decreasing, it is evident that fraternity members
feel like they are able to get away with sexual assaults because of the powerful figures
supporting their organizations, and the victims also feel they have no hope of obtaining justice or
themselves. Other violent crimes are easier to prosecute, but reporting sexual assaults is usually a
sensitive, more complicated process, making the difference in reporting rates understandable. If
more funds were offered by the school instead of private contributors, the increasing
problem of fraternity members committing sexual assaults may cease and start to decrease,
whereas if the contributors continue to support these fraternities and administrations don’t
put forth more effort, the rate of incidents will continue to increase and underreporting
will increase as well.
More Effort Towards Change [Consequence]:
Fraternities seem to be getting pardoned too much by administrations and people are
taking notice. If these trends keep happening and more effort isn’t put forth by administrations
into punishing these fraternities, the rate of incidents will increase and reporting may decrease.
The neglect by administration has been seen many times, seeing as administrations are only
worried about keeping the integrity of the whole school at a high standard, and sexual assaults
tarnish the reputation of a school. Peggy Reeves Sanday reported in her book, Fraternity Gang
Rape: Sex, Brotherhood, and Privilege on Campus, that administrations fail to prosecute sexual
assault offenders because naming the fraternity would not only bring about legal problems for
the fraternity, for they would be prosecuted, but the university administration would be forced to
punish the fraternity (Sanday 85). Classifying the event as rape would end “trains” at these
parties also (85). Because of these disadvantages for the university, the fraternity was not
punished to its true potential (85). Schools are starting to make the transition into holding these
fraternities accountable for their indiscretions, as seen at Emory University. Emory University’s
Vice President of Peer Facilitators for Sexual Assaults Peer Advocates came forward with the
university’s plans on redefining Greek life on their campuses. This change came because of the
fact that, “In May 2014, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) listed
Emory as one of 55 colleges under open federal review regarding its handling of sexual violence
claims on campus, a list that has since grown to include 85 colleges” (Fowler and Vashi).
Because the university had to make changes in order to continue being funded by the
government, Anusha Ravi came forward with a statement where he said, “’I think it is a very
clear message from the administration that sexual assault at Emory is going to be handled
differently from now on,’ College senior and VP of Peer Facilitators for Sexual Assault Peer
Advocates (SAPA) Anusha Ravi said. ‘I think that the University is trying to create a Greek
system that runs parallel to its values and to lead the charge to redefine how the Greek system is
viewed nationally,’ Bailey said” (Fowler and Vashi). As a result of the changes occurring on this
college campus, sexual assaults have decreased and the rate of reporting has increase because
students feel safer when reporting these crimes. Like Emory University, colleges all over the
country are encouraging victims to report sexual assaults because of federal programs
being made to encourage students as well.
Federal Agencies Taking a Stand [Authority]:
The federal government has recognized the increase of sexual assaults and has stepped in
to help regulate and crack down on the perpetrators of these assaults. Universities all over the
country are starting to encourage victims to report sexual assaults because of the influence of the
federal government programs starting up, showing that action must be taken to bring justice to
victims. In an article from Best Colleges RSS, a credible college research resource, they reported
that, “The problem of under-reporting reflects an extreme need for increased campus prevention
and support systems. The federal government has stepped up to the task” (“Preventing”).
Because an estimate of 95% of campus raped go unreported, the government has stepped in to
help decrease this number in order to make college campuses safer for students (“Preventing”).
One of the major projects the federal government has started is spreading throughout the country.
Best Colleges RSS reported, “The Not Alone project, backed by President Obama and Vice
President Biden, strives to break the silence about sexual violence on college campuses and
reach out to provide victims with the supports and avenues they need to reclaim justice, security
and a sense of well-being after an attack” (“Preventing”). The Not Alone project specifically
provided resources for sexual assault victim to come forward with their stories and get help from
other organizations to help victims get out of situations or just find help with a counselor. With
President Obama and Vice President Biden supporting this stand against sexual assaults, the
program is helping decrease the rate of underreporting on college campuses. This program
becoming available to colleges and having the impact it does shows the amount of power
administration could have when not relying on third-party contributors. With funding and
independent programs being provided as well as the support of the federal government,
administrations can take a greater stand against sexual assaults, including the suspension
of fraternities infamous for committing such offenses.
Suspension of Fraternities [Comparison]:
With more sexual assaults being committed on college campuses, administrations need to
take action in order to decrease the rate of sexual assaults. Seeing as fraternity members are at a
higher rate of committing sexual assaults, administrations must take a stand against them and
should start suspending fraternities committing sexual assaults, just as Brown University did to
deal with Phi Kappa Psi. Brown University got much publicity earlier this fall for taking a stand
against one of their most popular fraternities. Rolling Stone reported of “… this fall's suspension
of Brown University's chapter of Phi Kappa Psi – of all fraternities – after a partygoer tested
positive for the date-rape drug GHB” (Erdely).Without a sexual assault even taking place, the
fraternity was punished, an action that all administrations should take in order to show their
authority in universities. Coincidentally, Rolling Stone also reported the UVA incident that
occurred that didn’t take the same measures as Brown University. It was reported that, “within
days of the board meeting, having learned of Rolling Stone's probe into Jackie's story, UVA at
last placed Phi Kappa Psi under investigation. Or rather, as President Sullivan carefully answered
my question about allegations of gang rape at Phi Psi…” (Erdely). Although an actual assault
occurred at UVA, Brown University was the one to suspend the fraternity at their school, being
the example for all other schools. This fraternity has had a history of sexual assaults being
committed at their fraternity parties, but only now are universities taking drastic measures to stop
the fraternity from their criminal acts, something that UVA should be doing as well. Universities
are finally taking a stand against fraternities because Rolling Stone reported, “…a spate of recent
high-profile cases illustrates the dangers that can lurk at frat parties, like a University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee frat accused of using color-coded hand stamps as a signal to roofie their
guests…” (Erdely). The universities are only now seeing the increase of sexual assaults and are
adjusting to help protect their schools, some schools taking larger steps than others. The colleges
suspending their fraternities for criminal acts are the colleges also seeing a decrease in sexual
assaults. With suspensions being administered to these fraternities, victims are gaining
justice because of the effort put forth by the colleges less worried about their own
reputation as a school.
Justice for Victims [Definition (Fairness Revision)]:
On college campuses, administration should be the authority figure and should also
execute punishments. But seeing as sexual assaults are increasing on college campuses,
especially in fraternities, administrations are proving to be ineffective. This stresses the fact that
justice for every victim, those affected by these assaults, could be attained if more of an effort is
made by administration. But some would disagree and say administration only has a certain
about of influence with this issue and are doing all they can to oppose sexual assaults. California
Polytechnic State University has their policies on public health available to all their students, laid
out and enforced by administration, which states, “Every member of the university community
should be aware that sexual assaults is prohibited by state law and university policy. This
institution will vigorously discipline and/or prosecute persons identified as responsible for
assaults as described in this policy” (“Chapter”). Many would argue that the rules laid out by
administration shows that they are putting in effort, but these rules must be enforced. The claim
of enforcing is also different than the action of enforcing. Most colleges have their basic rules
online or written out for students, but the same school fail to enforce the rules they stress.
MSNBC reporter, Meredith Clark, reported earlier this fall that, “Newly-filed federal complaints
allege that four more colleges or universities have mishandled sexual assault cases and retaliated
against victims, including one case where a student found responsible for rape was given a $25
fine” (Clark). Administration had the power to punish these perpetrators more, but they are
making selfish efforts in attempt to keep the name of the school untarnished at the expense of the
victim and the later integrity of the school in order to keep funds from contributors coming.
Clark also reported that, “California just passed a bill that requires all colleges that receive state
funds to use an ‘affirmative consent’ standard in their policies” (Clark). With this new law, it
should be easier to defend the victim and more sexual assaults should be reported, but this
doesn’t seem to be the case, as sexual assaults are still increasing, despite the efforts
administrations are claiming to be making. When administration really starts to make larger
efforts and grasp the moral responsibility they have towards the victims of sexual assaults,
less sexual assaults will occur, but this first starts with more funds to the university to
decrease the reliance of administration on third party contributors.
Action Against Assaults [Value (Value Revision)]:
Administration has a moral obligation to the victims of sexual assaults to ensure that
justice is served and integrity is maintained by the university. To disregard a crime committed to
preserve the integrity of a small group while disregarding the victim is blatant disrespect to the
school, victim and the justice system as a whole. Taking away the power of the school to make
decisions concerning their students and taking away the power of the justice system to even
attempt to ensure justice for the victim is decreasing the power of the authority figures to where,
in the future, their power is little to none. Ironically, while making an attempt to preserve the
integrity of the university by covering up sexual assaults committed, these attempts end up
decreasing the school’s integrity and reputation when the truth comes out, integrity incorporating
the honor and trustworthiness of the university as a whole. Therefore, the victim should be
protected, upholding the integrity and acquiring justice. Looking at The University of Virginia
and their recent headline in the news is a prime example of the impact of covering up these
serious offenses. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, a nationally credible magazine that
focuses on popular culture and political reports, reported November 19, 2014 that young woman
who attended the college was coming out with a story of sexual assault, committed by numerous
fraternity members, which ended with the university taking little action against the conspirators
(Erdely). Jackie, a third year UVA student, came forward with her story, which caused a domino
effect. A woman, Liz Seccuro, who had attended UVA thirty years ago came forward with her
story of sexual assault by a member of the same fraternity as Jackie’s perpetrators. With this
story becoming so large, many people have started to question UVA and started to dig into why
there have been a lack of sexual assaults at the university. It has been found, according to Rolling
Stone,
In the last academic year, 38 students went to Eramo about a sexual assault, up
from about 20 students three years ago. However, of those 38, only nine resulted
in "complaints"; the other 29 students evaporated. Of those nine complaints, four
resulted in Sexual Misconduct Board hearings. UVA wasn't willing to disclose
their outcomes, citing privacy. Like most colleges, sexual-assault proceedings at
UVA unfold in total secrecy. (Erdely)
Having only nine of the thirty-eight sexual assaults not “evaporated” brings up a huge concern.
While the reputation of the school would have been at stake if these assaults were to have come
out, the school being federally investigated now is tarnishing everything that could have been
protected if more action were to have been taken earlier. The integrity of administration as well
as the school’s justice system has lost credibility and respect. The only defense the
administration had to justify why they failed to carry out any punishments was "because nobody
wants to send their daughter to the rape school" (Erdely). The school is very interested in
keeping their reputation clean because the amount of funding they get from contributors helps
keep their programs and school as a whole run at the prestige level they have worked so hard to
build. If the school was honest about the sexual assaults and the attendance decrease, funding
would also decrease, stressing that these schools need to find a way to be less reliant on these
contributors.
Conclusion:
Sexual assaults on college campuses keep increasing in number and administration seems
to not be adapting to these changes that are taking place. For administration to make a difference
on college campuses, they need more funding from the schools, not from third-party contributors
that take away a lot of their power to make decisions. If administrations are not given the
resources they need, no changes will be able to be made and sexual assaults will continue to
increase on college campuses.
Work Cited
"Bureau of Justice Statistics Victimizations Not Reported to the Police, 2006-2010." Bureau of
Justice Statistics Victimizations Not Reported to the Police, 2006-2010. Bureau of Justice
Statistics, 9 Aug. 2012. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
Ellis, Allison. “Campus Sexual Assault Survivors Speak Out.” Marie Clair. Hearst
Communication, 1 Jan 2014. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
Erdely, Sabrina Rubin. "A Rape on Campus: A Brutal Assault and Struggle for Justice at UVA."
Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2014. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
Fowler, Stephen, and Sonam Vashi. "IFC Suspends Fraternity Social Activities in Response to
Sexual Assault." Emory Wheel. Emory Wheel, 3 Nov. 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2014.
Marcus, Jon. "Schools For Scandal: Can Fraternities Shed Their Sinister Image?" The Times
Higher Education Supplement 23 June 2011: 20. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.
"Preventing Sexual Assault on Campus - Best Colleges." Best Colleges RSS. BestColleges.com,
1 Jan. 2014. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
Sanday, Peggy Reeves. Fraternity Gang Rape: Sex, Brotherhood, and Privilege on Campus. 2nd
ed. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
"West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services." Campus Sexual Violence. WV
FRIS, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.