by Laura Archer, Staff Writer
This week, Title IX Coordinator Emily Ralph hosted Drew’s Campus Discussion of Sexual Violence and Climate Survey event. The two discussions took place on Wednesday were open to the entire campus. At the first session, which was attended mostly by faculty and staff, Emily presented the data collected through an Administrator Researcher Campus Climate Collaborative (ARC3) study that was sent out to students. The study compiled data from faculty, staff, and students about Title IX and EEO reports and cases across campus.
Of the data presented, there were high instances of dating violence and sexual assault reported. Emily made a point of saying, however, that these high numbers could just be from the fact that victims are now aware of the signs to recognize, and know where to file reports.
During the presentation, the audience expressed surprise to find out that a lot of faculty and staff had reported instances to the survey. This prompted a discussion on the need for more faculty/staff awareness and prevention programs. Another addition in the date showed a large response from Theological and Graduate school, and Emily stated again that she wanted to push for awareness for these students as well.
Other data showed a low male response, which Emily cited could be from issues such as stigma, fears, and embarrassment. She also showed that a lot of LGBTQ+ participants took the survey. As an overall goal, Emily said, “We have theater students put on role plays, where they act out instances of sexual assault/dating violence/etc., to show how students can respond to these issues if ever put in one of these situations. I want to make these more inclusive, not so heteronormative. I also want to include situations directed at male victims, because instances are not limited, and I want men to know how to also deal with these situations.”
As a closing statement, Emily said, “There is no blueprint for how to give this information to people. I know there were concerns about this getting dumped on students during freshmen orientation, but we are working out ways to make this better. Having students help give ideas for awareness programs is a crucial part to the success of making our campus a safer environment.”
