In light of recent events, USC has been all over the news. Usually, I am one to brag about the accomplishments of our school --mostly because we do have some very ambitious students. But courage is something that the administration has yet to show us.

With a school that sings the praises of inclusivity, it is a wonder that they should sweep such actual issues under the rug when they arise. Let's call a spade a spade: the administration has let us down in a number of ways, and it is disheartening.

This being said: It's time for the administration to turn a new leaf. If they cannot do their jobs for their students, then it's time to go.

As a leader, it is your job to be transparent and protect those who you are leading. If you cannot take on those tasks then maybe its time for you to step down. If you cannot protect your students as a university administrator --or really any type of school administrator-- then you should leave your badge on your desk and go.

The negligence of our leadership in our country has shown has that ineffective leaders hinder an effective future. This same thing goes for the lackadaisical nature of our own school's leadership.

Transparency should be held to a high standard under qualities a leader should have --especially in a community like USC. And it is our job to hold our leaders accountable for this.

It would be wrong of me to sweep this under the rug myself, and for me to turn a blind eye to this. At this time in our social climate, we are becoming transparent about our own issues and battles with sexual assault. Oppressors and perpetrators are finally getting what they deserve, but this took a long time to get to this point.

It's a catch 22, as it is all great and appalling at once. Appalling that it happened in the first place and wonderful that we're calling it out.

A school should be a safe place for its students. Students should not fear for their safety on a campus when they have enough to worry about. As a student body, we should stand in solidarity with those affected by the negligence of our school.

Our president has let us down and dropped the ball on the care of the students.

If you have been subject to sexual assault of any kind you can report it to:

At the University of Southern California:

Contact the Title IX Coordinator in person, by email, or by phone:

Gretchen Dahlinger Means

(213) 740-5086

titleix@usc.edu

National Sexual Assault Hotline 24/7:

Rape & Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673