By Kayla Samek–College campuses are a place of growth and learning. But a lurking threat on all campuses—even Morningside—is sexual assault and harassment. However, steps are being implemented to make Morningside safe.
Bill Deeds, Provost and the Title IX Coordinator, says sexual violence is a “problem for all colleges,” so Morningside College is “pushing education for staff and students.”
Morningside offers a variety of resources to students concerning sexual assault. Deeds says “education is key” in preventing sexual violence and knowing how to react to it. The plan is to introduce “more awareness on Morningside Campus,” said Deeds.
Sam Clary, a member of the Title IX Task Force, said, “There’s quite a bit going on at Morningside right now.” Posters concerning sexual violence and a list of people to contact in the event of sexual assault as well as events like Students Fight Back are just a few things planned in “Wave 1” of Morningside’s plan to help prevent the “hostile environment” created by sexual violence. RAs are another, and are required to take part in training programs so they can detect sexual violence in their halls.
RA Paige Mckern said, “Morningside’s trying to make the campus a super safe environment.” Students are also encouraged to participate in an online education course called Haven, so that the RAs are not the only ones able to detect sexual violence.
There are laws to protect victims and now college administrators are taking preventative measures. Since the 1970s, legislation called Title IX prohibits a “hostile environment” in educational institutions that receive federal funds.
Females were able to participate in sports and given equal opportunity in classes. In 2011, Congress amended Title IX to include sexual violence.
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