With the newest edition of Clemson University’s code of conduct, they explicitly included consent.
With the inclusion of consent in their public code of conduct, Clemson has started a campus wide discussion of sexual assault and how it should be handled. Under the student behavior clauses, consent is defined as “requiring speech or conduct indicating a freely given, uncoerced by means of threats or force, agreement to engage in sexual contact.”
Clemson’s handbook then goes on to identify requirements for consent, such as being understanding of the situation, unambiguously agreeing to any and all sexual interactions, and making a firm decision whether or not to engage in any sexual or romantic activity.
The student handbook also lists how to evaluate consent, and when it cannot be given. Reasons for not giving consent can include mental and physical incapacitation, and withdrawal of consent in previous situations. Silence, lack of physical resistance, and feeling pressured into any situation never count as consent.
What does this mean for the modern college campus? The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reported that college-aged students are one of the most at risk age groups for being sexually assaulted. According to their 2019 statistics, 11 percent of all college students, regardless of gender, experience sexual assault through physical force or some type of incapitation.
With activist campaigns such as the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, sexual assault is coming to light now more than ever. Testimonials of surviving these attacks are documented worldwide, regardless of sexuality or gender expression. Campuses are hearing these voices, and taking action to prevent further attacks.
With the recent death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, it is imperative to advocate for sexual assault to be put to an end. Ginsburg fought for equitable rights – particularly those of sexual assault survivors – for the entireity of her career. In an interview earlier this year, Ginsburg was asked what the #MeToo movement meant to her. “For so long, women were told ‘there’s nothing you could do about it.’ But now the law is on the side of women and men who encounter harassment, and that’s a good thing,” she said.
College campuses are amplyfying the support and resources that are available to sexual assault survivors. Support group sessions are popular, as it gives students the ability to meet others who have gone through similar situations. Health centers are also offering free, confidential testing for pregnancy and any sexually-transmitted diseases that the survivor could have gotten while being attacked.
Winthrop in particular advocates for the mental and physical health of assault survivors. The Department of Health and Counseling Services has opened a subdivision dedicated solely to protecting the rights of survivors while pursuing justice. Victims and Trauma Services allows students to obtain testing as well as counseling and reporting the assault, all while staying completely anonymous.
Victim and Trauma Services can be found in 104 Crawford Building, or contacted via phone at (803) 323-2206. They also encourage students to contact the local crisis center, Safe Passage, for more resources after an attack of any kind. Safe Passage can be contacted at their 24 hour hotline (803) 329-2800.
Photo by Lizzy Talbert
