Changes to Millikin University's Sexual Violence Policy
The Issue
Research estimates that between 10% to 29% of individuals are a survivor of rape or attempted rape since starting college. The National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that 6.1 sexual assaults occur per 1,000 students per year. On our college campus, I know of at least 5 cases of sexual violence that have happened since the beginning of this school year. Why not more? Because survivors are afraid to speak out about it due to the fear of being blamed, ostracized, and name-calling. In reflection of this, maybe the focus of a zero-tolerance policy should be towards sexual violence rather than drinking.
In the best interest of the students at our university, here are some suggestions we have that should not be taken lightly. We are open to discussing this.
1. The university should be required to identify sex offenders convicted in a court of law to the school body, tracking their whereabouts to protect individuals from danger within their community.
a. The students of classes that have a convicted sex offender in attendance should be made aware of their classmate’s conviction.
2. A zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual assault and sexual violence on and off campus involving Millikin students, as well as other members of the Millikin community.
a. The expulsion of convicted rapists.
b. The suspension of convicted sexual assault offenders.
c. The suspension of alleged sexual offenders going through a trial.
3. Safe Rides update to ensure true safety
a. 10 minutes maximum to pick up a student
b. Safe rides from any campus setting with no questions asked (fraternities, sororities, etc.) as well as an expansion to student housing off-campus.
4. Updated sensitivity and sexual violence training.
a. A trauma-informed training session led by an individual that does not identify as a white, cisgendered male or public safety officer to create an inclusive and calming environment for first years.
5. A Take Back the Night event, or something similar, every semester to create an environment on campus of safety, security, and belief in survivors.
a. Events could include things such as; Take Back the Night Rally, free self-defense campus event, etc.
6. A partnership with Decatur’s Growing Strong Sexual Assault center.
a. By partnering with Growing Strong students will have a more welcoming and blameless environment with which to file a report and seek help with legal advocacy, crisis aid, and mental health resources.
We are concerned for our safety, for our peers safety, and the safety of future Millikin students. We need immediate action with guaranteed results regarding the policies and practices surrounding sexual violence on campus.
For comments, questions, or to talk about the best way to enact these changes and make the student body feel safe, please contact Madeline Curtin at mrcurtin@millikin.edu.
The Issue
Research estimates that between 10% to 29% of individuals are a survivor of rape or attempted rape since starting college. The National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that 6.1 sexual assaults occur per 1,000 students per year. On our college campus, I know of at least 5 cases of sexual violence that have happened since the beginning of this school year. Why not more? Because survivors are afraid to speak out about it due to the fear of being blamed, ostracized, and name-calling. In reflection of this, maybe the focus of a zero-tolerance policy should be towards sexual violence rather than drinking.
In the best interest of the students at our university, here are some suggestions we have that should not be taken lightly. We are open to discussing this.
1. The university should be required to identify sex offenders convicted in a court of law to the school body, tracking their whereabouts to protect individuals from danger within their community.
a. The students of classes that have a convicted sex offender in attendance should be made aware of their classmate’s conviction.
2. A zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual assault and sexual violence on and off campus involving Millikin students, as well as other members of the Millikin community.
a. The expulsion of convicted rapists.
b. The suspension of convicted sexual assault offenders.
c. The suspension of alleged sexual offenders going through a trial.
3. Safe Rides update to ensure true safety
a. 10 minutes maximum to pick up a student
b. Safe rides from any campus setting with no questions asked (fraternities, sororities, etc.) as well as an expansion to student housing off-campus.
4. Updated sensitivity and sexual violence training.
a. A trauma-informed training session led by an individual that does not identify as a white, cisgendered male or public safety officer to create an inclusive and calming environment for first years.
5. A Take Back the Night event, or something similar, every semester to create an environment on campus of safety, security, and belief in survivors.
a. Events could include things such as; Take Back the Night Rally, free self-defense campus event, etc.
6. A partnership with Decatur’s Growing Strong Sexual Assault center.
a. By partnering with Growing Strong students will have a more welcoming and blameless environment with which to file a report and seek help with legal advocacy, crisis aid, and mental health resources.
We are concerned for our safety, for our peers safety, and the safety of future Millikin students. We need immediate action with guaranteed results regarding the policies and practices surrounding sexual violence on campus.
For comments, questions, or to talk about the best way to enact these changes and make the student body feel safe, please contact Madeline Curtin at mrcurtin@millikin.edu.
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Petition created on November 22, 2021