How Should Colleges and Universities Handle Claims of Sexual Assault and Sex Discrimination? What is Government’s Role in this Process?

Allegations of sexual assault and sex discrimination on college campuses is a serious issue, and several recent reports have garnered national media attention and raised the awareness of the general public. As a result, college campuses and the government have paid greater attention and taken a more thoughtful approach to the ways these sensitive issues are handled.

As Valparaiso University prepares women and men to lead and serve in society and throughout the world, it is our mission to ensure that our students earn an education in an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive and that honors their freedom to pursue knowledge and truth without fear. Therefore, at Valpo, we take issues of sexual assault and sex discrimination very seriously, and we believe that colleges and universities across the nation and around the world should as well. When considering claims of sexual assault, there are certain steps that each institution should take in order to remain proactive, timely, and respectful throughout the process.

First, colleges and universities should have set policies and procedures in place to ensure that each case is met with diligence and equity. Without the proper systems and procedures, colleges and universities are left with unclear guidelines on how to begin handling claims of sexual assault.

Second, when a sexual assault claim is brought forth, it is the college or university’s duty to act promptly, confidentially, and with great care. As higher education institutions, we must do our part to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff as quickly as possible, while protecting the rights of the accused.

Third, throughout the review process, it is essential that each party has a thorough comprehension of her or his rights. The alleged victim’s privacy is paramount throughout the review process. For example, the alleged victim should not be required to share her or his story repeatedly, nor should s(he) have to confront or face the accused. These accommodations require great care and sensitivity.

And, finally, it is critical that each college and university take a proactive approach to providing preventative education and resources to ensure that each member of its community understands how to avoid potentially harmful situations, read the signs of a possible conflict, and take action when action is needed.

At Valpo, these resources and preventative tools have been in place for decades, and we will continue to update them in the future. In addition, we recently hired a full-time Title IX coordinator who assists with prevention and education and responds promptly and carefully to the relatively few sexual assault cases we experience annually. I encourage each college and university to take a similar approach.

Colleges and universities must hold themselves accountable and implement the highest standards to protect their students, faculty, and staff from sexual assaults, harassment, and discrimination. Government policy should aid and support our efforts to achieve these standards and provide us with guidance and best practices to help us obtain them. To create the best possible environment for both the alleged victim and the accused and to reduce incidents of sexual assault on our nation’s campuses, universities and government must work in tandem and with mutual respect toward common goals.

Sexual assault occurs at colleges and universities across the country at a rate lower than that of the general population, yet we must not tread lightly when claims are brought forth. It is important that colleges, universities, and government work together and share resources with one another to ensure that all of our students, faculty, and staff remain safe and free to pursue an education in a welcoming and supportive environment.