“The Liberty Way”: How Liberty University Discourages and Dismisses Students’ Reports

[DGUtley]

That's discrimination - this was rape, not discrimination. Although, you could argue that the women were being discriminated against b/c of their claims being dismissed.

The federal government also addresses sexual violence in postsecondary institutions. The Clery Act demands that schools provide crime statistics and safety policies to the public. Title IX addresses equal treatment for sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination, and sexual violence. While all efforts to reduce sexual violence have an impact, schools must understand the need for additional measures to reduce risk and also commit to accurate reporting of sexual violence on campus.

https://www.bestcolleges.com/resourc...ult-on-campus/


I have represented two separate universities on these issues in years past. At one time, I was up to my ears and elbows on the stats, duties and responsibilities - no longer. I don't blame the women here. I put this on the university. I understand we disagree.

[FindersKeepers]

It's not conjecture, it's research.

The reasons college women may decide not to report assaults include embarrassment or fear it will happen again. Also, while research and statistics tend to focus on victims who are women, victims who are men also report sexual assault at lower rates — potentially due to shame, humiliation, or the stigma surrounding men being vulnerable.
Furthermore, in a majority of cases, the perpetrator is either a family member, acquaintance, or someone the victim knows. Statistically, 19.5% of rape cases are committed by a stranger. If a survivor knows the person who assaulted them, they may decide not to report the act of violence for many reasons, such as fearing for their safety or worrying about reprisals from their social circle.

https://www.bestcolleges.com/resourc...ult-on-campus/

Okay, but those factors would also hold true for reporting to the school officials.

At the end of the day, these were adult assault victims (allegedly) who reported the assaults to the college and the college investigated and found no crime had occured.

I'm not sure a college is set up for an investigation of that type or scope, but if the student agrees to be bound by the college's decision rather than calling in the cops, ultimately, it's all on the alleged victim.

Of course, a little cash can make bad memories fade...

[DGUtley]

Okay, but those factors would also hold true for reporting to the school officials. At the end of the day, these were adult assault victims (allegedly) who reported the assaults to the college and the college investigated and found no crime had occured. I'm not sure a college is set up for an investigation of that type or scope, but if the student agrees to be bound by the college's decision rather than calling in the cops, ultimately, it's all on the alleged victim. Of course, a little cash can make bad memories fade...

1. If the college takes federal money, they better be "set up" for an investigation of that type and scope.
2. I have deposed about a dozen rape victims in 34 years. I question whether you would say that if you sat through just one of those depositions.