When I was in high school, I used to fantasize that my school would adopt a class that forced all students to learn the fundamentals of hygiene. Somehow, by high school, some still hadn’t mastered the basic shower. To make matters worse, I went to a boarding school, where we lived with other people full-time.
Now that I’m in college, I sometimes still fantasize about that class, but it has been overtaken by another dream of mine. Now, I wish schools taught people to know their rights. I particularly wish that colleges taught a class or maybe even just a seminar for students who don’t recall consenting last time they had sex.
Guys, I’m not going to tell you how to not get raped; that sort of talk is ridiculous and completely anathema to the point I’m trying to make. That sort of advice is like being told how to not get shot in a drive-by shooting—yes, maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that does not make you the one who pulled the trigger. What is more interesting to me right now is the legal aspect of it all.
As a nation, we are becoming more and more aware of an inadequacy in the way universities handle sexual harassment or rape cases. Schools have responded and asked the public to quell their clamor, promising to reform. They are creating new committees; similar to the ones who botched the earlier Title IX cases, but these will hopefully get the job done. But people get frustrated as the proposals are passed through a seemingly endless number of meetings that led by older adults who will go home at night and lock their doors, while the student body lies on their twin XL mattresses and wonder who is next.
Because of the insecurities within a university’s academic system, I am making a basic outline of the legal rights that everyone—not just women—has under Title IX, so that everyone is aware of the protection they are entitled to.
- A) You Are Entitled to File a Grievance: Under Title IX, you are entitled to make a claim against a person perpetuating sexual violence. This means that you have the legal right to go up to your school’s Title IX office, shoot them an email, call their phone. The Title IX coordinator’s information is legally required to be on the school’s website—make sure it’s there.
- B) Your School Is Required to Investigate Your Claim: Even if the police are doing their own investigation, the school is required to delve into the facts themselves. They have to make sure that things are safe for you, especially if you are living on-campus.
- C) Your School’s Investigation Must Be Prompt, Adequate, and Effective: Your school needs to keep you updated on what is happening with your case. You should know the major things that are going on, and you should be able to get any major proceedings documented.
- D) Your School Is Required to Accommodate For Your Education: Within a reasonable parameter, your school must help you continue your education so you can study free from harassment. Whether this means changing dorms or changing classes, they need to help you with that—and they’re not allowed to charge you for it, either. They can also issue a no contact derivative, which is basically like a restraining order against any alleged perpetrator. The school is also required to protect you from the threat of retaliation.
- E)Your School Should Have Confidential Support Systems For You: Your school is obligated to provide you with at least a name of a place that provides counseling, academic support, and advocacy. Most schools already have these; make sure to check with yours.
Keeping the above information in mind, I cannot help but emphasize how important it is to report sexual assault early on. Any hesitation or fear that comes with this is perfectly understandable, but the best way to protect yourself (and others) is by coming forward to tell your story and demanding an investigation. Remember that you deserve nothing short of total protection, and that rules were set out for this very purpose. Even if you are not a victim of sexual violence, know your rights! Somebody else may not, and you can be the difference in your school.
