With the confirmation of new Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has not yet stated her support for the 2011 Title IX language about the role of colleges and universities to prevent sexual assaults, it is more important than ever for all institutions of higher education to send a clear signal to Washington, D.C., that we will not and cannot retreat from the progress made in combating sexual violence on our campuses.
In recent years, universities and colleges across the country have adopted new measures to tackle the issue of sexual assault. At California State University, Northridge, we have taken a comprehensive and holistic approach to address campus sexual assault to be responsive to the needs of our diverse community. This is not something from which we or any campus should retreat, no matter what the U.S. Department of Education under the new administration may propose.
I am pleased with the legislative support and spotlight placed on the rights and protections for victims of sexual assault in recent years. Even with these gains, sexual assault remains grossly underreported on a national scale. Those who have been the target of sexual assault or sexual misconduct deserve support.
We now have a network of best practices and improved mechanisms to increase reporting, help victims and hold perpetrators accountable. This protects the rights of both victims and those accused and ensures the safety of students of all genders.
At CSUN, our campus has enacted assertive efforts to combat sexual misconduct with sustainable strategies to create a safer campus and a climate of respect. To help stop the problem, victims and bystanders need to feel safe in coming forward and know that they will be supported and taken seriously.
We have made this system of survivor support a shared responsibility among all campus constituents. In addition to mandated training for all students and all employees, we have increased training to first responders and those who support victims and advise the accused. We want all of our students to understand healthy relationships, consent and what it means to be a responsible member of our community.
As a parent who not so long ago sent my children off to college, I remember the trust I placed in those institutions. Everyone concerned with higher education — no exceptions — should take to heart our responsibility to care for the mind, well-being and safety of our students.
There is no one solution for ending sexual assault, and as each institution has its own set of unique characteristics, there likewise is no “one size fits all” model. At CSUN, one of the lessons we have learned is that we must have the courage to assess the climate on our own campus — and to do it regularly and to recalibrate or improve what we need to improve. That is why we conduct a biennial climate survey of our students to inform and guide our programming, policies and practices.
Last year, we piloted the national program called Culture of Respect to build even greater capacity for survivor support and ensure fairness for respondents.
The result has been a culture shift in meaningful ways. Increased awareness, as well as accountability for misconduct, has led to a significant increase in reporting. Contextualizing an increase in reported incidents is crucial, as it is an indication that we are indeed creating a safer environment for victims to come forward. Greater accountability in the form of firm and measured responses to a range of misconduct also helped to build trust in our service and efforts.
It is critically important to not grow complacent and to have the federal and state governments support these efforts. We cannot retreat. As we continue to build a more respectful and gender-equal society, we cannot go backward.
As we go forward, we will continue to do so fairly and equitably, ensuring the safety and rights of both survivors and the accused. I implore Secretary DeVos to hear our voices and continue the federal support for these efforts.
Dianne F. Harrison is president of California State University, Northridge.
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