Re-examine rape policy
Melissa Kelsa
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Opinion
Taken from the Gonzaga Student Handbook 2007-2008: "Sanctions for rape: Students found responsible for rape will be suspended or dismissed from the University at least until such time as the reporting party is no longer enrolled in their current course of study."
Gonzaga University makes quite a statement in their stance on sexual assault. Of particular interest to me is the conflict-avoidance method the administration seems to default to in cases of sexual assault. The floundering of the University judicial system in such cases is an injustice that requires more in-depth analysis, but this particular stance is plain and simple: Gonzaga condones sexual misconduct. What kind of academic institution allows a dangerous threat to the student community to return at all? What kind of statement is the University making? So long as the immediate conflict is hushed and any bad publicity is avoided, a known rapist can return to campus?
To some, this may take a back seat to other issues, but no one should feel comfortable with the fact that there may be a University-acknowledged rapist sitting next to you in class. This is a safety issue that all students should be concerned about.
Melissa Kelsay is a junior at Gonzaga.
Gonzaga University makes quite a statement in their stance on sexual assault. Of particular interest to me is the conflict-avoidance method the administration seems to default to in cases of sexual assault. The floundering of the University judicial system in such cases is an injustice that requires more in-depth analysis, but this particular stance is plain and simple: Gonzaga condones sexual misconduct. What kind of academic institution allows a dangerous threat to the student community to return at all? What kind of statement is the University making? So long as the immediate conflict is hushed and any bad publicity is avoided, a known rapist can return to campus?
To some, this may take a back seat to other issues, but no one should feel comfortable with the fact that there may be a University-acknowledged rapist sitting next to you in class. This is a safety issue that all students should be concerned about.
Melissa Kelsay is a junior at Gonzaga.