Last week, The Crimson White published a series of articles pertaining to the topic of sexual assault on college campuses, namely UA’s. The piece entitled “Behind Closed Doors” brought attention to the perverse issue of sexual assault on all college campuses, as “Laura’s” gut-wrenching story is unfortunately not the first of its kind.

We have known for years that the issue of sexual assault on college campuses is a problem that needs addressing. Earlier this year, myself and thousands of students across campus had the privilege of taking part in a kickoff week for UA’s own launch of the “It’s On Us” campaign, a sexual assault awareness and bystander intervention campaign launched by The White House in October 2014. The Crimson White also published a piece in last week’s highly-viewed edition stating the It’s On Us campaign “perpetuates” rape culture on campus. As a survivor, advocate and volunteer for the campaign launch, I do disagree – it truly was a remarkable site just to see that students were recognizing the issue of sexual assault in general (not to mention, the attendance at the Town Hall addressing sexual assault and safety that week was outstanding.)

I can understand how others may not view this as a large feat or even something worthwhile. However, you can’t undermine anything that raises awareness of sexual violence. While we do need to keep pushing our administration to realize this issue still exists, Jordan Forrest’s work and the work of her cabinet members to organize UA’s It’s On Us campaign cannot go unnoticed. Even if students are taking a pledge promising to intervene, that’s a small step they weren’t taking beforehand.

“Laura’s” story gives us a gruesome, and very real, look into just how sexual assault actually affects victims. She is quoted in the article stating she “sees their faces everywhere,” and she will “never forget.” Unfortunately, this is all too familiar for sexual assault survivors. Alongside her horrid encounter of sexual assault, what is even perhaps just as disturbing is the meeting she endured with UAPD shortly following her assault. The article stated Laura found the officers “sexists and unable to understand that she could not give consent in her state.” Laura also stated she “did not feel they’d provided her the support she needed as a rape victim.”

Image Source: The Crimson White

Again, instances like Laura’s are all too real, and incredibly disturbing, for sexual assault survivors across the country. In case you were unaware, this is in fact not how campus police departments should be handling cases of sexual assault.

Erica Kinsman, who recently won a historic case against Florida State University, also stated she did not receive the attention she deserved. After accusing Jameis Winston of raping her, an officer from Tallahassee Police Department asked if she was “sure” she wanted to go through with the case, informing her that Tallahassee was a “big football town.”

Image: seminolepost.blog.palmbeachpost.com

Laura and Erica’s cases cannot and should not ever happen this way. The Crimson White makes a phenomenal point in that the University of Alabama is a highly student-led campus – from student government to athletics, UA relies and thrives on the active participation of students in making pivotal changes on our campus. Don’t get me wrong, this is one of the great attributes about the University of Alabama, and allows many of us to develop dynamic leadership abilities. However, in dealing with sexual assault on UA’s campus, our administration, alongside UAPD, have to be thoroughly involved and equally as committed to making constructive changes in how we handle sexual assault. This can no longer be an option for our administration and police department that we rely so heavily on to ensure we’re each granted the opportunity to pursue our education safely.

Image: www.rainn.org

Combatting the issue of sexual assault on college campuses is very much like a puzzle – there are numerous parts needed, and bringing attention to the issue at hand is the first piece of that puzzle. Transparency from both our campus police department and administration is essential for bringing about real, positive change. Organizations and movements like End Rape on Campus, Project Consent, It's On Us, and RAINN are all actively participating in making this hope a reality for every college campus in the United States.

The programs we have implemented on UA’s campus are all pieces of the puzzle; all are needed to result in a safe university, free of sexual violence. The Crimson White, sexual assault survivors and advocates everywhere thank you for bringing even more light to this intense issue.

Image: www.endrapeoncampus.org