A Northern Michigan University student once reached out to the school’s counseling office over a sexual assault she experienced. She thought seeking out the help of the office would help, but sadly found out the reality.
She received an email from the associate dean of students at NMU basically stating that she could not discuss with others any suicidal thoughts. In fact, it said, “It is important that you refrain from discussing these issues with other students and use the appropriate resources listed below. If you involve other students in suicidal or self-destructive thoughts or actions you will face disciplinary action.”
Despite the fact that the student wasn’t even seeking help for suicidal thoughts, the school found it necessary to clarify that she cannot express her thoughts about similar thoughts and actions to her friends. NMU tried to clarify that their purpose for having such statements was to prevent “distractions” from other students’ educations as well as “protect” them from the influence of these suicidal thoughts.
And as it turns out, this student is one of many that faced similar situations at NMU. But the thing is, NMU is not the only school that have such ridiculous policies. There are several colleges throughout the U.S. that may not openly advertise these outrageous policies, but discreetly hide them until they’re necessary.
This leaves many to wonder, why can’t we feel safe at college? So many colleges brag about the safety, respect, and understanding they have toward their students, but if they were really concerned about our well-being, wouldn’t such policies be nonexistent? It’s hard enough for students to discuss such personal experiences, why make it even harder?
Sexual assaults, racist acts, suicidal thoughts, self-identity conflicts, and those are just to list a few, are things a large population of college students face. It’s so important for students to feel free to express their thoughts and emotions about these heavy topics and experiences. So attending a college where you don’t feel safe to express these thoughts is horrifying to me.
To create a better world, we need to acknowledge that these types of thoughts and issues are real and happening to our students. It doesn’t make any sense to suppress students from expressing their own personal concern for their well-being! If safety is one of the most important things colleges “seek,” then I think it’s time schools stop pushing these issues under the rug. It’s time to face them.
