August 12, 2014
Doing Enough to Prevent Rape on Campus?
Introduction
Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, Democrat of New York, embraces a survivor of sexual assault at the University of North Carolina during a news conference last month about legislation aimed at curbing sexual assault on campus. Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesLate last month, a bipartisan group of senators, following on the heels of a White House task force recommendation, proposed a bill that would require colleges and universities to conduct anonymous surveys of their students’ experience with sexual violence on campus and publish the results online. Under the legislation, if schools do not comply, they could risk fines of up to one percent of their operating budget.
What are the next important steps to reducing the occurrence of sexual assault on campus?
Read the Discussion »Debaters
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We Need More Than Transparency
The post-assault surveys that would be cataloged under new legislation are important for survivors, but they must be coupled with prevention guidelines that engage all community members.
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Surveys Reveal the True Numbers
The proposed legislation must be passed because national, standardized "climate surveys" are necessary for revealing the prevalence of sexual violence and the ways to respond to it.
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Law Enforcement Must Take the Lead
Only our criminal justice system can properly protect the accuser and the accused — and punish those found guilty accordingly.
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Campuses Are the Best Places for Accountability
The criminal justice system alone is simply not effective enough to keep young people safe.
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Expand Training for Faculty, Students and Staff
Too often, well-intentioned staff members lack understanding of issues around reporting and confidentiality, but not knowing can no longer be an excuse.
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Accurate Reporting Without Shame
Low numbers of victim reports should not make anyone feel better about the safety of their school.
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