Sexual Harassment on Campus

By Kendal Nicole Lambert

Stock

School is supposed to be a safe haven for students to explore, learn, and

grow. However, sexual harassment has been an increasingly prominent issue on
college campuses over the last decade as both men and women have been
more open in coming forward to talk about their experiences.
In May of 2014, as a result of the complaints filed, the U.S. Department of
Education released a list of colleges and universities that are under investigation
for possible violations of federal law over their handling of sexual assault
complaints. Title IX requires educational institutions to act in a nondiscriminatory manner in its programs and as part of the law requires schools to
take immediate action to eliminate harassment, prevent its recurrence and
address its effects. Harvard University Law School, Temple University, and
Princeton University are among the 55 schools on the list that are alleged to
have mishandled rape and sexual assault complaints. The Richard Stockton
College of New Jersey did not appear on the list; however, the College takes
these issues seriously and has continued to work to keeping the College a safe
learning and working environment.

Different colleges are added to the list as stories unfold and voices speak
up about violence experienced on their campuses but some colleges have
begun to re-evaluate sexual assault education. The first six weeks of school are
the most dangerous in a female college students life, known as the Red Zone.
Because sexual assault can target both male and female, it is important for
everyone to be aware. Our very own Stockton has a number of programs
dedicated to this issue such as: Green Dot Bystander Intervention, a peer
Osprey Advocacy team and many tabling events throughout the year which
educate the college community about domestic violence, sexual harassment,
assault and stalking. Through the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity,
every Stockton faculty and staff member on campus has been asked to
complete a Title IX sexual harassment education and prevention online course.
Students will also be required to take this online course to better equip
themselves with the knowledge of sexual violence.
Penn State, which is also on the investigation list, will forever be tainted
with the notorious sex scandal of football coach Jerry Sandusky. Back in 2011,
Sandusky was found guilty of 45 of 48 charges that he sexually assaulted 10
boys over 15 years. Sexual harassment is as simple as a bad joke about a
woman to as serious as an employer preventing someone from receiving a
promotion unless they perform sexual favors. Sexual assault falls under the
larger umbrella of harassment and describes any unwanted physical contact.
There are a number of outlets students can turn to for help. The Stockton
Police, our Osprey Student Advocates, the Wellness Center, The Womens Center
of Atlantic County, the Office of Student Right and Responsibilities (OSRR), the
Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity, and Resident Assistants & Complex
Directors are all trained to handle these situations and are available at all times
for support. Associate Director of Counseling Services Laurie A. Dutton says,
We attempt to cultivate an environment at Stockton where students feel safe.
Just like other institutions of higher learning, we have had our cases of sexual
harassment on campus; however our coordinated community response to sexual
harassment and sexual assault is constantly tailored by our committee members
to address these situations quickly and effectively. Ms. Dutton encourages
students to contact any of the aforementioned outlets in regards to sexual
harassment, regardless of how small it might seem. Students should also know
that they have a right to talk to someone in confidence if that person has a right
to
confidentiality.
Students
can
find
further
information
at
http://www.stockton.edu/wellness. If you are interested in attending the Green
Dot Bystander Skills training on October 19, register with Counseling Services at
652-4722.

According to author Peter Finn who wrote Preventing Alcohol-Related

Problems on Campus: Acquaintance RapeA Guide for Program Coordinators,
Rape is the most common violent crime committed on college campuses. It is
now a requirement for colleges to have sexual harassment programs in place for
students based on the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act. Even if
not required by federal law, the College has continued to have preventative
programs such as during Welcome Week at Stockton, the College holds many
great interactive and informative speakers who educate new and returning and
transfer students on college issues such as diversity, inclusion, safe sex, and
drug, and alcohol among other issues. Director of Residential Life, Dr. Denise
ONeill adds, Despite the high numbers of college and university students
reporting sexual harassment nationwide, a small percentage reported their
experiences to a college administrator; many students did not tell anyone their
story. We are working to change the culture. Greater emphasis is being placed
on educating students (and student leaders) and keeping them safe. At
Stockton, we care about this issue and are taking proactive steps to help
students more effectively.
While the U.S. Department of Education pulls tighter at the reins to
prevent sexual harassment, keep in mind that the Stockton community strives
to continue to keep its process fair handed. Please report any form of
harassment to an authority figure. The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is
a safe and healthy environment for all and, essential to its mission, recognize
the value of each individual.