Change Happens: The SAFER Blog

Beyond campus whistles and emergency phones, the fight to preempt campus sexual assault has taken a sharper, more informed turn. Today, we delve into the latest findings from the Campus Accountability Project, which casts a revealing light on the nation's progress and pitfalls in tackling campus sexual violence.

80% Received Grade of C or Lower

In a stark revelation, the report from the Campus Accountability Project shows that an overwhelming majority of institutions earn a 'C' grade or lower when it comes to their sexual assault policies. This suggests that a considerable amount of work still needs to be done to ensure higher safety standards and better support systems for students.

Primary Prevention Programming Continues To Represent Critical Area for Growth

The study highlights the urgent need for improved primary prevention programming. Effective strategies that stop sexual assault before it happens are essential, yet many schools are found lagging in these proactive measures. This gap underscores a significant opportunity for advancement in safeguarding our students.

Nearly One-Third of Policies Do Not Fully Comply with Federal Law

According to the report, nearly a third of college and university policies do not fully align with federal regulations, including Title IX and the Clery Act. These discrepancies range from definitions of consent to the reporting process, potentially hindering the support for survivors and compromising legal requirements.

The Campus Accountability Project, a collaboration between SAFER and V-Day established in 2009, rigorously examined the sexual assault protocols in place across U.S. higher education institutions. Their findings serve as a resource for student activists, policy makers, and educational leaders aiming to create safer learning environments.