Mary, a former first-year college student, found herself navigating a complex and emotionally exhausting process after waking up with bruises and bite marks following a fraternity party. She realized she had been sexually assaulted while under the influence, and reporting the incident became a daunting task. Despite the accused being expelled, law enforcement did not press charges due to insufficient evidence, leaving Mary feeling let down by the system.
Challenges in Reporting Assaults
The intricacies of reporting sexual assaults on college campuses have come under scrutiny once more. Recently, a former Cornell University student, referred to as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit claiming she was raped by several fraternity members in 2024. Despite reporting the incident to campus police, prosecutors initially declined to pursue charges. However, the case has now been reopened by the Tompkins County District Attorney.
Mary’s experience, though not linked to Cornell, mirrors the broader challenges victims face in reporting such assaults. The complex and varied systems across universities often deter many from coming forward. According to Nancy Chi Cantalupo, a law professor at Wayne State University, these processes are particularly difficult to navigate for those experiencing trauma.
University and Legal Systems
When a student reports an assault, the university’s Title IX office assesses potential policy violations. This process involves hearings with faculty panels to determine the outcome. At the same time, victims often grapple with the parallel criminal justice system, which operates under different rules and timelines, creating further confusion.
Mary’s ordeal at her college was characterized by unclear procedures, which she had to understand while simultaneously dealing with her trauma. She had evidence, including surveillance footage and pictures of her injuries, but was told by police that the matter should be handled by the university.
Secrecy and Institutional Protection
University investigations are often conducted privately, a practice intended to protect both the institutions and the individuals involved. This secrecy can hinder the reporting process, discouraging witnesses from coming forward, according to Helene Weiss, a lawyer for victims of campus assault. However, some argue that this confidentiality offers protection for both the victim and the accused.
Cornell University has faced criticism from students over its handling of the allegations. The student newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun, took a bold step by publishing the names of the accused, challenging the university’s stance on privacy.
The Role of Title IX
While the criminal justice system struggles with low conviction rates for sexual assault cases, university investigations under Title IX provide a separate avenue for victims. These processes can offer immediate solutions, such as ensuring victims do not share classes with their alleged assailants.
For Mary, after the police dropped her case, the university process became her only means of seeking justice, resulting in her alleged attacker’s expulsion. This dual approach, despite its challenges, offers a necessary alternative for achieving accountability on college campuses.
