A recent surge of previously-silenced women speaking up about sexual harassment incidents through media platforms is hopefully an indication of a progressive change in the culture surrounding sexual misconduct. The downfall of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, whose serial predation on women in the workplace was long excused by money and power, was the spark for a subsequent series of accusations against influential business leaders like political commentator Mark Halperin and head of Amazon studios Roy Price. Actors Dustin Hoffman and Kevin Spacey have experienced similar derision for reports of their own sexual harassment. It seems that the notion of treating sexual harassment seriously has become more widespread, and that consequences for perpetrators are becoming more grave than a light slap on the wrist.
As Hamilton students, we are lucky enough to be guarded by an administration that understands the gravity of sexual harassment and uses comprehensive preventative and disciplinary measures. Alongside the hard work of students passionate about sexual assault prevention and support, the administration makes it clear that sexual harassment is an intolerable part of campus culture through widespread awareness campaigns and a clear, structured due process that lets accusers safely come forward and also considers the perspective of the accused. Requiring every organization to attend Title IX training, promoting transparency about sexual misconduct sanctions, and advertising a variety of confidential support networks like SAVES and SMART are just a few ways that the administration shows it cares.
This is not to say that sexual assault does not happen on Hamilton’s campus. It is also not meant to neglect the persistent stigmatization of sexual assault survivors that prevents many victims from coming forward. It is merely an acknowledgement of the extensive efforts by Hamilton’s administration to condemn rape culture on campus, efforts that businesses and organizations off the Hill will hopefully come to replicate.
