TO THE EDITOR:
Recently there have been a lot of articles about the failure of universities to effectively deal with sexual assault cases on campus. What we ought to be asking here is, “Why are colleges clinging to this responsibility so tightly?”
A university does not have the appropriate means and resources to investigate nor can they issue punishments that suit the crime. Most importantly, a university does not have the ability to provide an impartial perspective.
Don’t be mistaken — I am not naive enough to think that allowing outside law enforcement to take over these cases would undoubtedly lead to more convictions. Sexual assault is one of the most difficult cases to pursue successfully as a complainant.
Conviction rates aside, the worst punishment a college can impose is inadequate. A conviction of sexual assault between two students on a college campus could lead to expulsion. If you were a victim of a sexual assault, how would you feel about this as the punishment for your attacker? Would you be satisfied about how the university views your worth? A conviction of sexual assault that occurs without the involvement of a university could lead to a long prison sentence. Maybe this still isn’t punishment enough, but it sure is closer than a mere expulsion.
College is a business. It cannot run without money, and it relies on people wanting to attend to get that money. A college cannot be impartial when the situation has the potential to affect enrollment rates.
Ashley Michalak
Class of ’ , ‘ 17
Psychology
