American University touts itself as the creator changemakerNevertheless, the AU has not acknowledged that many of its students have become changemakers as a result of demanding fundamental action from universities. This pattern of student behavior in the face of college inaction is very prevalent in previous and current administrations’ handling of sexual violence on campus. By its inaction, AU encourages survivors to advocate for change without considering the emotional tension and trauma reliving that such organizing can cause.
after the incident of sexual assault Announced in a university-wide email in October, hundreds of AU students gathered in the quad, walk out protest against the shortcomings of the university Title IX PolicyThe strike itself was organized by two AU seniors and an AU branch of the organization. It’s On UsThis chapter established a grassroots approach to combating sexual violence through awareness and prevention education. The importance of survivor input and grassroots approaches in Title IX policy cannot be underestimated, but at the same time, reforming policy and rape culture within colleges and educating administrators and students about trauma Survivors should not be expected to Advocacy from survivors should be celebrated and heard in its entirety, but it should be understood that reform is not the survivor’s responsibility.
Before the strike Campus Life Secretariat We have sent you an email detailing our academic policy relating to protests.Especially the AU quote Freedom of Expression Policy, Faculty Rules and Regulations and UCollege staff vacation policy., The Office skimmed the emotional labor of such advocacy. The office mentions support, but focuses on the university’s reputation and appearance. Rather than providing educational resources on trauma and assault, administrators viewed the strike through the lens of self-interest. In communicating student expectations for behavior, but failing to provide adequate outlets for emotional tensions, universities clarify their priorities.
The heartfelt speech delivered at the strike was of great importance to the AU community and called students and administrators to action. This display of compassion and activism is central to AU solidarity, as universities lack sufficient resources.of Welfare Programs and Psychological Service Centers is a classic example of insufficient resources. Because he only offers 6-8 therapy sessions per year to students and thousands of students with Single Victim Services his advocate. It is likely that up to eight sessions per year will not adequately treat trauma, and that she is the only advocate for victim services is misleading.
While very helpful, it is unacceptable that survivor’s advocacy is the only real support and change for students. Strike survivors were comfortable sharing their experiences. However, this is not given to all survivors. AU develops a culture of inadequate survivor expectations and reliance on inadequate survivorship when it should hire more trauma professionals and licensed professionals to assist in the student experience.
This lack of hope and support for survivors is not an isolated event. In 2014, students demanded the following measures: 70 documents leaked from Epsilon Iota, an unrecognized fraternity in the AU. These documents detail rape, drugging and violence against women at the university. The AU expelled various students and changed its sexual misconduct policy, but that was after her three years of student protests. The university had received 67 indictments of her for EI-specific student conduct code violations prior to the leak and had not provided any additional resources or references for emotional support.but the administration accepted the award for it Sexual Assault Prevention Efforts by EVERFI Inc・・・In spite of winning a large bid Thanks to Empower AUa student-led program against sexual violence.
Similar expectations and lack of support can be seen from the AU. response Sexual violence on campus in 2020. Students used to share their experiences of sexual violence anonymously on social media, but the university discouraged such postings, saying that postings could have “unintended consequences” and could have other emotional or preventive consequences. It said in a statement that it does not provide an effective outlet. Despite the Title IX policy being federally mandated, the AU still has the power to change the student code of conduct for on-campus safety. Universities should be held accountable for the expectations and culture of sexual violence they have upheld, and instead of situational or biased solutions, long-term policies such as broader policy reforms and more trauma professionals should be pursued. We have to move towards dramatic change.
Survivors are under no obligation to protest or take a platform against anyone, much less against a regime that undermines their struggle. Our hope is to feel supported and comfortable, and the path to healing should be an individual choice.
Rebeca Samano is a sophomore in public relations and a staff columnist for The Eagle. This article was edited by Alexis Bernstein and Nina Heller. Copyedited by Isabelle Kravis, Leta Lattin, Sarah Clayton, Natasha LaChac.
rsamano@theeagleonline.com
