When "no" means "no"



Sexual assault on college campuses occurs far too often and is mostly unreported. In April 2014, a White House Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Assault on College Campuses reported that one in five college students experiences sexual assault during their college career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice statistics, from 1993 to 2013, 80 percent of rapes and sexual assaults against women students ages 18-24 went unreported.
Due to increasing pressure from the federal government, concerned people are demanding better prevention, education, and response to sexual assault. Colleges and universities are working to change the "culture of protection" where perpetrators may be immune from punishment because they are star athletes. Many campuses are requiring sexual assault programs for freshmen. Some are banning fraternities and sororities. Some are banning alcohol. In addition, some colleges have switched from the "clear and convincing evidence model" to the "preponderance of evidence" model. Under this model, if 51 percent of available evidence shows a student "more likely than not" committed sexual assault, he must be held responsible. Many schools are requiring affirmative consent policies and bystander education guidelines to encourage students to act more responsibly and intervene when others fail.
Women students should not have to live in fear of being taken advantaged of or not being believed when they are violated. Colleges need to instill a community-oriented approach where students take
responsibility for one another rather than keep "the code of silence."

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