The Latest Campus Sexual Assault Data is Concerning
Something doesn't add up.
After the Washington Post released a new data report on the forcible sex offenses on college campuses, the attention naturally turned to the schools with the highest numbers. Penn State University had the highest number of reported cases in 2012 (56), while Gallaudet University had the highest rate of reported offenses per 1,000 students at 11.39.
But the schools with little to no reports of rape may signal a problem, too. The report noted that 25 percent of schools with over 1,000 students reported zero rape cases, but as Emily Shire responded in the Daily Beast, it is "statistically impossible for a university not to have suffered any incidences of forcible sexual offenses on campus."
The White House's latest statistics say that one in five women is sexually assaulted in college, and we've seen enough evidence to prove that sexual assault is an epidemic on college campuses nationwide. This could mean that students aren't coming forward because the administration is discouraging them from making reports, or it could mean that the schools are just neglecting to adequately collect this data—especially since schools self-report Clery Act numbers.
Sadly, we're just not at the point where we can believe zero recorded reports of sexual assault really mean zero instances of sexual assault. But hopefully with the incredible advocacy work of some dedicated groups, this can change.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Jennifer Lopez Tracks Down the Birkin of Winter Puffer Vests
Who knew winter layers could be so luxe?
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Katie Holmes's Favorite Tote Bag Has Some Competition
She's making an accessories switch-up.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Ted Danson Got Up at 3AM While Making His New Show So He Could Spend Time With His Wife
This or nothing!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
By Emily Cain Published
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
By Rona Akbari Published
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
By Ai-jen Poo Published
-
The Biden Administration Announced It Will Remove the Hyde Amendment
The pledge was just one of many gender equity commitments made by the administration, including the creation of the first U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
By Megan DiTrolio Published