I started writing this column with the intent of bashing the Board of Regents for not doing enough to prevent sexual assault at Louisiana colleges. It’s just in my nature to immediately criticize a board full of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s appointees and old white guys.
After reading through the “Uniform Policy on Sexual Misconduct” passed at the Monday meeting, I can’t write that column. The Board of Regents released a carefully considered, well-constructed policy with just about everything a concerned student could want.
It’s sad that I’m surprised by how well the Board has responded. When you expect them to screw up something as important as sexual assault policies, it says something about the trust you place in systems of governance.
Despite all my cynicism, I have to applaud the Board for taking the issue seriously and developing a solid framework for individual schools to develop.
Among the new requirements are student surveys at least every three years to gauge the expanse of the problem of sexual assault on college campuses. In addition, universities are required to offer educational programs about sexual assault to students throughout their schooling.
One of the things that really impressed me was the depth and focus of the educational requirements. Not only is the Board requiring universities to teach students all the policies, it has mandated both bystander intervention information and risk reduction programs.
More specifically, it combines the thrust of the White House’s “It’s on Us” campaign to confront men to stop sexual assault when it happens with the more conservative “don’t walk alone and carry mace” type advice. Not everybody will think this is perfect, but it’s a happy compromise I think people can work with.
Even feminist propaganda and notorious troll site Jezebel would be proud of the Board’s definition of consent. It’s probably the first time Jezebel would be proud of anything in our state, except … no, nevermind. I can’t think of anything.
According to the document, consent to sexual activities must be “clearly communicated” throughout the entire encounter, may be revoked at any time and is not valid if coerced.
Apparently, the Board also realizes the reality of the hazy nature of many college relationships.
The policy states drunkenness or inebriation can lead to incapacitation and an invalidation of consent. However, it notes, someone who is drunk or intoxicated “is not necessarily incapacitated.”
This means the guys worried about drunk hookups turning into rape claims can stop worrying and start fretting about lack of women who want to sleep with them sober.
If I had a complaint about this policy, it would be that it doesn’t set a specific timeline for when those accused of sexual assault will face disciplinary action other than saying it should be executed “promptly.”
What we as a University community don’t want are potential rapists languishing without any punishment.
It honestly seems like the Board of Regents took the time to develop a proactive policy to help eradicate the problem of campus sexual assault. Let’s just pray somebody doesn’t screw this up somehow.
James Richards is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from New Orleans. You can reach him on Twitter @JayEllRichy.