Earlier this week, the Association of American Universities (AAU) released the results of a multi-university Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault. The results are deeply disturbing. Although the University of Rochester did not participate in the survey, we can learn from these worrisome findings, as we have from earlier surveys, and reaffirm our commitment to end sexual assault and sexual misconduct on our campus.
We have begun this work. Within the last few years, we have created new resources and established a University-wide student sexual misconduct policy. We have revised and expanded our orientation programs for incoming students and introduced an affirmative consent standard for the campus. We have trained an additional 11 female public safety officers to support those who may have experienced or witnessed sexual violence or misconduct. We have made it easier to find information about where you can go for help.
Many of our students have taken steps to educate their peers about sexual violence and have taken an active role in changing our culture. There are many examples, including the Stop. Ask. Clarify. campaign, and the advocacy of student groups such as MOVE and SEGway. These are more than just acronyms or Facebook pages: these are examples of students stepping up and stepping in to create real change in cultural norms.
This is all good work. But it is not sufficient as long as one incident of sexual misconduct takes place on our campus, whether it is a sexual assault, unwanted contact on the dance floor, or a sexually harassing statement. It is not sufficient if even one person feels that he or she won’t be taken seriously in reporting an incident of misconduct. We have made progress. We still have far to go to create a campus where everyone feels as safe and protected as he or she deserves to be.
Moreover, the University remains the subject of a Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR) inquiry. I have been asked about this inquiry in recent days and I can report that since we announced the investigation in May, we have cooperated fully with OCR and are awaiting their response. OCR is currently investigating a large volume of cases – over 100 schools are currently under scrutiny – so the process may be proceeding more slowly than we would like. I remain committed to being as transparent as possible about the investigation while still honoring the confidentiality that has been requested by the complainant.
I would like our campus now to do more, and this will start with listening to the advice of our students, faculty, and staff. I plan to hold a University Town Hall later in the semester, open to every member of our community. I would like to hear firsthand about your concerns, and hear your ideas and suggestions, so that together we can continue the essential work of creating the safe, respectful campus we all wish for. I also will ask Morgan Levy, our chief title IX compliance officer, to work with the schools to schedule additional smaller group discussions.
Sexual assault and sexual misconduct have no place on our campus. In our programs, in our policies and practices, in our behaviors, and in our values, we must be united in an effort to end sexual assault and sexual misconduct for the protection of all of our students, faculty, and staff, and for the integrity of our University. As the powerful video that University of Rochester students recently created states: it’s on all of us to stop sexual violence and to elevate our campus culture. I ask every member of the University of Rochester community to join in this effort.