Ian Thorn

Ian Thorn

by Najya McLean and Raiisha Jefferson, The Whetstone

Freshman Megan Rummel feels walking around on campus at night and going to parties with a friend is safer than being alone.

“There are creepy people on campus, but mostly when they’re drunk,” she said. “If I go to a party, I bring friends.”

Beginning last fall, Wesley College has been informing students about their Title IX rights, which address sexual assault, harassment and general sexual misconduct.

Title IX is a federal policy that protects students and those on campus grounds against sexual assault and discrimination.

Everyone on campus is expected to have some sort of knowledge about what it is and how to handle situations where any sexual misconduct takes place.

“At the beginning of the fall 2015 semester, there were Title IX educational sessions held in each residence hall, a session held for Faculty, a session held for athletes and more fliers were posted across campus,” said Wanda Anderson, dean of students. “Additionally, each employee was asked to complete an on-line educational session.”

Despite knowledge of Title IX, Wesley College has had at least two reports of sexual misconduct on campus (Nov. 9, 2015, and Jan. 29 of this year), which leave students feeling a little wary of being alone.

Freshman Lexis Harrison feels as though coming out about being sexually assaulted may be too hard for people.

“I feel like people are too scared to say they were sexually assaulted,” she said. “It may have either been too traumatic, or they don’t want to get the other person in trouble because they were threatened.”

Junior Kenneth Young said he doesn’t know what Title IX actually means.

“I have seen Title IX being promoted around campus, but only by posters,” he said. “I don’t think posters are enough, whoever is in charge should send out a detailed email about it or everyone should get an actual document to keep explaining Title IX in depth.”

There are some students on campus, such as senior Kia Smith, who are knowledgeable about Title IX. However, she is confused about what students should do if something has happened to them.

“Not everyone speaks their mind when it comes to serious issues like this,” she said. “Others don’t know how to handle certain situations and Title IX is not clear as to where a student should go, who they should talk to and what to do if anything happens.”

As stated in the Title IX policy, “If a student feels he/she has been a victim of sexual assault, there should be a place on campus where he/she feels safe to discuss their concerns.”

Director of Counseling Ann Rogge said she believes it is important that students know there are steps that need to be taken after experiencing sexual assault.

“Our primary concern is making sure the victim is safe, receives any medical treatment that is necessary following the assault, and receives ongoing counseling support,” she said. “I can’t stress enough just how important that follow-up care is.”

If a student has been sexually assaulted or feels they have been sexually assaulted, Title IX coordinators suggest he/she visit www.rainn.org “Rape, Abuse &Incest National Network” to guide their steps.

One of the Title IX’s rules states that sex should no longer be an option if a student has one sip of alcohol. According to science.howstuffworks.com, the process of thought and consciousness are located in the cerebral cortex. Alcohol affects the brain, and inhibits the process of thinking, making it hard to think clearly.

Freshman Ian Thorn thinks that learning about Title IX could be a benefit to all students.

“I feel it should be into play because people should do their business in their own room and consent is important,” he said. “I think people make the option to sexually assault someone because you have to think it before they do it. Especially when it comes to Greek Life and hazing. When the victim is vulnerable and can’t make decisions due to alcohol, sexual assault happens.”

Students said they think combating sexual assault can be aided in learning about Title IX and the rules given. However, learning about how security combats sexual assault on a legal level is important as well.