A new policy regarding sexual assault on Louisiana college campuses is currently in the works.

According to an article in The Advocate, this newer sexual conduct policy will “require the state’s four higher education systems — Louisiana Technical and Community College, [Louisiana State University], Southern University and University of Louisiana — to develop stronger, more specific campus policies.”

There are also plans to utilize a campus survey to gauge the presence of assault on campuses.

This new policy remains mostly undeveloped, making it hard to form strong opinions on it just yet; however, some feel it has great potential to make a difference.

“Southeastern has a number of policies and procedures that address sexual misconduct,” said Eric Summers, director of the Office of Student Conduct. “However, we are working on a comprehensive sexual misconduct policy that will allow for a consistent institutional response. An umbrella policy is more victim-friendly.  It will provide one document that makes the victim aware of how and to whom to report, where to find resources and what sanctioning and protective options are available. Once we have more guidance from the federal and state government, we will make sure that our policy is in line with expectations.”

Summers feels these proposed climate surveys would be integral to understanding sexual assaults in the college environment.

“We know that many sexual assaults go unreported which adds gaps to our knowledge of the true sexual assault climate,” said Summers. “As such, campus climate surveys should give us an understanding of what we are facing. From what I am hearing the state may have a uniform survey for all institutions to utilize.  Once we have that information we will use it to provide better awareness, outreach and advocacy.”

Stephanie Travis, president of the Student Government Association, proclaims herself “excited to hear that our state is addressing this problem that affects all college campuses.” 

Having helmed an effort to raise awareness for sexual assault the previous semester, Travis has a plethora of feelings on the matter, seeing it as a phenomenon spreading across the country’s universities.

“Sexual assault is a problem that occurs everywhere,” said Travis. “Some statistics state that up to one out of every four women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. According to the Counseling Center, 25 percent of our students that complete the intake exam for their services have answered ‘Yes’ to, ‘Have you had unwanted sex?’”

Travis believes the biggest problem surrounding sexual assault is that people are not educated about it, mainly because sex is seen as a taboo subject.

“We need to talk about it. Having sex without spoken consent is a crime. You can only give consent if you are sober,” said Travis. “Our society is one that promotes an atmosphere of fear, that you will only be sexually assaulted by someone you don’t know hiding in the bushes, but close to 75 percent of sexual assaults are committed by acquaintances. Often many victims don’t know that it was a sexual assault. Too often sexual assaults go unreported, and offenders go free allowing for the possibility that it will occur again.”

Travis urges students to bring suggestions regarding sexual misconduct policies on the Southeastern campus in particular.

“It’s hard to state what Southeastern’s current policies are, although even before the Board’s formation of the committee to address this issue, Southeastern formed a committee to revisit its current policies,” said Travis. “The committee agreed to define sexual assault as well as outline the victims’ rights, while also upholding the accused’s due process. Right now is the perfect time for anyone to bring suggestions to our campus. As we all have an influence in how our university is structured.”

For more questions on Southeastern’s current policies regarding sexual misconduct, make a visit to the SGA office, located in Mims Hall.