Sexual Assault Process at GU

Spring_2007_Research_Group_Pages

Topic Question

[Replace this text with a focused topic question which your thesis/conclusion will answer or address. If you have more than one, list them here. Try to identify a topic question which everyone in the group can write about. Your topic question must address issues about which there is reasonable disagreement.]

Potential Arguments, Structures, and Sources

[Replace this text with a brief identification of at least three potential arguments relevant to your topic question. Identify the claim argued for, the reasoning and evidence. Cite from sources posted on your wiki page.]

Here are links to articles that have been written by the Gonzaga Bulletin in the past years.

'Bulletin: Sexual Assault: Special Report' [[1]]

Sexual Assault: The impact is great, the number of unreported incidents is large [[2]]

Letter to the Editor: Students and Administration must end sexual assault [[3]]

Some Link to Pornography, Sexual Assault Violence [[4]]

Sexual Assault Affects both Men and Women [[5]]

Sexual Assault Serious, Should not be treated comically [[6]]

Letter to the Editor: Take back the Night's focus should be on sexual assault not pornography [[7]]

Use Caution for a safe holiday season [[8]]

Sedatives and Drugs can lead to date rape [[9]]

Here are additional categories I would suggest we look at:

GENERAL SEXUAL ASSUALT STATISTICS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES NATIONWIDE

THE BASIC PROBLEM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES

OTHER JESUIT UNIVERSITIES AND HOW THEY ARE DEALING WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT (We can ask our contacts what other universities they have looked at in the past or currently and choose one or two)

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICIES IN OTHER UNIVERSITIES

Loyola Marymount University [[10]]

Santa Clara University [[11]]

Creighton University [[12]]

Boston College [[13]]

Fordham University [[14]]

Xavier University [[15]]

Georgetown University [[16]]

Gonzaga University [[17]]

STUDENT OPINIONS ON GONZAGA'S POLICIES (This has been collected in a survey that was recently done...perhaps we can get our hands on those numbers because they would be extremely helpful.)

OUR SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY AT GONZAGA UNIVERSITY

PETITION BY GU STUDENTS TO CHANGE THE POLICY

E-MAIL CONTACTS!!!!!

Patsy Fowler (Assistant Professor of English, SART Responder) fowlerp2@gonzaga.edu

Michael Casey (Corporation Council) casey@gonzaga.edu

Victoria Loveland (Equal Opportunity Officer) loveland@gonzaga.edu

Fr. Steve Hess (Dean of Student Formation) hesss@gonzaga.edu

Theresa Schinzel (Sexual Assault and Harm Prevention Coordinator) schinzel@gonzaga.edu

POST YOUR NAME BY SOMEONE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU CONTACT THEM FOR AN INTERVIEW OR EVEN EXCHANGE AN E-MAIL SO WE ARE NOT OVERWHELMING!

PETITION BY GONZAGA STUDENT TO CHANGE THE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY' (input unfinished as of yet...)

Gonzaga University belongs to a long and distinguished tradition of humanistic, Catholic and Jesuit education...through its academic and student life programs, the Gonzaga community encourages its students to develop certain personal qualities: self-knowledge, self-acceptance, a restless curiosity, a desire for truth, a mature concern for others, and a thirst for justice. -Gonzaga University Mission Statement.

Dear Father Robert Spitzer S.J., Sue Weitz, Beth Hellwig-Olsen, Father Pat Lee S.J., Michael Casey, members of Gonzaga's Boards of Regents and Trustees, faculty of Student Life, Gonzaga Alumni, and all other Gonzaga University Administration:

In light of Gonzaga University's Mission Statement and its goals of humanistic, Catholic, and Jesuit education, I request and demand that the University change its "Sexual Misconduct Policy." Sexual assault and rape are violent crimes committed against a large number of person on this campus, and I stand resolved that it is time of the University to do something about this horrifying problem. The current "Sexual Misconduct Policy" does not take a firm enough stance against sexual violence, and does not outline penalties for persons found responsible for sexual assault and rape. Therefore, with the CAtholic Jesuit Mission in mind I demand the following changes to the "Sexual Misconduct Policy":

First, Gonzaga should no longer view issues of "sexual misconduct" as "learning experiences." Instead I request that the policty state the following: "Gonzaga has a zero-tolerance policy for student sexual assault and rape. Gonzaga treats the issues of sexual assault and rape as violent incidents, which will not be tolerated at Gonzaga University." This change is in linewith th teachings of the Catholic Church on the issue of sexual assault and violence, and in line with the law's stance on rape as sexualized violence.

Second, I request that Gonzaga change its definition of "Consent" to read as follows: "Consent" is defined as an understandable exchange of affirmative words that indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexually explicit touching or sexual penetration." This clears any gray areas on the issue of consent, and focuses the issue to a verbal agreement between partners, instead of "actions" as indicated by our current policy.

Third, I request that gonzaga chnage its example of "consent" contained in the "Sexual Misconduct Policy" so that it reflects the changes above.

Fourth, I request that the University outline strict and harsh penalties for person "found responsible" for the violent crimes of rape and sexual assault, even on the first occasion of assault. These penalties should inclue, but not be limited to, suspension for anyone found responsible for sexual assault, and also expulsion of individuals who have been found responsible for the violent crime of rape. Gonzaga should celebrate strict punishment for persons who sexually assault and rape other persons.

In addition to these requested changes to the "SExual isconduct Policy", and I also demand that the University make public these changes, and warn any individual who has the potential to be a sexual assailant that Gonzaga will not stand for sexual violence, and will take a "zero-tolerance" approach to individuals who sexually assault and rape.

Furthermore, I demand that Gonzaga University offer better assistance to survivors of rape and sexual assault. While the Sexual Assault Response Team is a start, more needs to be done to make sure that gonzag follows the Catholic and Jesuit teachings of care for those who suffer. Gonzaga should hire counselors who specialize in rape and sexual assault to be accessible for primary and secondary victims of sexual assault. Gonzaga should also reach out to victims of these violent acts after a report to ensure that their needs are met and ensure them that Gonzaga will do all that it can to help them through this traumatic time.

I respect that Gonzaga change its "Sexual Misconduct Policy" to reflect a strong foundation in humanistic, Catholic, and Jesuit roots by firmly standing against sexual violence and assigning harsh and substantial punishments to individuals who violate these policies.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT'

National Center for Victims of Crime [[18]]

Emotional and Physical Effects of Sexual Assault [[19]]

NATIONAL REPORT ON WHAT COLLEGES ARE DOING TO PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULT [[20]]