Editor’s note: Editorials do not represent the views of the Daily Bruin as a whole. The board encourages readers to respond to our editorials at dailybruin.com/submit.
The results of a survey of over 1,200 UC students illustrate significant concerns with the UC system’s resources for survivors of sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The survey, conducted by UC Survivors and Allies – a student-led research collective and advocacy organization – found that many students were unfamiliar with current programs in place to address sexual violence and sexual harassment on UC campuses. It also found that survivors often had negative experiences when accessing campus resources, particularly directing criticism toward UCPD and the Title IX offices for the 10 UC campuses.
The horrific epidemic of sexual violence on American college campuses, which persists despite the efforts of law enforcement and university administrators, is a disgrace.
Since the results have been published, the UC Systemwide Title IX Office has already taken the commendable first steps of offering to meet with the survey researchers and modifying their website to be more specific about who exactly is covered under Title IX. The UC must continue to take the findings of this recent survey seriously and work to address the concerns of survivors immediately.
The survey recommends a number of measures that the UCs could implement to improve their SVSH programs, such as increasing transparency for the funding of Counseling and Psychological Services and the Campus Assault Resources and Education program and increasing the budget for both to hire more therapists and CARE advocates. These changes would substantially reshape the functioning of these critical SVSH initiatives should they be implemented.
On the other hand, institutions like the Title IX offices must be reevaluated in light of the concerns that survivors expressed about them. Thirty percent of SVSH survivors who responded to the survey reported that they felt safe when interacting with Title IX staff, compared to 80% who felt safe when interacting with CARE staff. This discrepancy should not exist.
In particular, these programs need to be more responsive to the needs of survivors of color. According to the survey, Black and Latinx students only reported Title IX violations to professors at a quarter of the rate that white students did. At the same time, students of color reported much higher rates of trauma-related symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and also faced longer wait times to speak with a correspondent of similar race, ethnicity or background.
Increasing the diversity of the Title IX, CARE and CAPS workforces would ensure that survivors of color can be properly treated by counselors who understand their lived experiences. Speaking with someone from a similar background provides a sense of comfort that is crucial for sensitive matters such as sexual assault or harassment.
These shocking disparities are a clear indicator that Title IX programs, which have been central to university responses to campus sexual assault, must be closely examined and reformed to better support survivors.
The survey also highlights similar concerns among students about UCPD. About 70% of LGBTQ+ respondents and over 50% of heterosexual respondents were uncomfortable with reporting SVSH incidents to UCPD.
It is clear that increased UCPD funding, particularly without other necessary reforms, cannot be an effective method to help SVSH survivors. According to statistics obtained by the Daily Bruin, of seven alleged rape or other sex crimes on or near UCLA’s campus that resulted in UCPD cases during March, six cases remain open while only one was closed with no further action taken.
Sixteen additional reports categorized as rapes or other sex crimes did not result in police cases, including eight reports of rape.
These statistics may reflect an unwillingness of survivors to make police reports with UCPD. However, they also likely reflect the difficulties inherent to the reporting process that make the local criminal justice system incapable of effectively addressing sexual violence and sexual harassment and providing justice to survivors.
The inclusion and standardization of statements about Title IX and SVSH resources in course syllabi, either based on or using the statement drafted by UCS+A could represent a critical step from faculty and teaching assistants to increase awareness of UC SVSH programs.
According to the survey’s findings, only about 80% of students were aware of CAPS and only 68% knew about CARE.
In response to the survey, the UC Office of the President Associate Director of Media Relations Ryan King stated that the survey authors’ recommendations are in line with UCOP’s own goals in reforming SVSH programs to improve their accessibility for students.
It is absolutely vital, however, for the UCs to follow through on their promises and ensure that students can safely participate in college life without fear.
Comments are closed.