There is a disconnect between words and actions when it comes to sexual assault reform on campus.
In Student Body President Christy Lambden’s most recent email to the student body, he describes the Sexual Assault Task Force committee’s response to “dissatisfaction with the University’s response to sexual harassment and misconduct.”
First, Lambden states that the task force has collected feedback from the campus community. There is no mention of how the task force analyzed this input, or if it was even brought to the task force at large.
He states that the task force will make recommendations to the chancellor “later this year.” The task force has yet to establish a concrete deadline for resolution.
Lambden mentions that the number of staff dedicated to interpersonal violence response has grown from zero to three, but is the average student aware of these administrators and their roles? He claims students are heard and advocated for, but the reporting process is convoluted and mysterious to students.
Administrators named by student complaints have yet to receive any review or penalty for their actions by the University. It is clear that not all administrators are committed to supporting survivors or even responding to survivors.
A “tremendous increase” in training for staff is cited. It is unclear what the training is for and what staff will be trained.
Were experts consulted, or was it written by the same administrators who created the faulty policy in the first place?
There is no mention of who will be leading the training or what the training will achieve.
The end of the letter is most problematic. Lambden observes a renewed commitment, even stating, “Everyone at UNC is committed to creating an environment where sexual assault, harassment and misconduct are not tolerated nor a part of our community.”
