What Are Consent Classes In Colleges

However, none of that is enough. Colleges have many more improvements to make. Consent classes, for example, are often ineffective. Student George Lawlor argues that teachers of those classes demean their students and make them feel as if they are already rapists. He also asserts that those who need the consent classes would not care enough to show up or pay attention (1). This echoes other critics’ claims that colleges have no way of assuring students commit to their affirmative action policies, their workshops, or their bystander intervention programs (Rubin 1). Moreover, those bystander programs allow colleges to deflect responsibility onto students. They teach that it is the students’ jobs to intervene. While it is good for students to …show more content…
They do not have the proper policy, procedure, or tools to punish offenders (Cohn 1). For example, a former student sued Wesleyan University for its inconsistent procedure and unequipped staff that failed to protect her from a fraternity already known for rape (Engel 1). Also, schools are resistant to expelling attackers. A Justice Department 's Office on Violence Against Women survey showed that only 12% of 478 sexual violence punishments were expulsions. 28% were suspensions, and the rest were reprimands, counseling, community service, and other unspecified punishments. For instance, despite its Sexual Misconduct Board receiving five formal complaints just within the 2013-2014 school year alone, the University of Virginia has not expelled a single student for sexual transgressions between 2004 and 2014. Moreover, Wesleyan reduced an attacker’s punishment by counting his dismissal as a withdrawal, dropping the charges, and thus, making it easier for him to apply to other schools (Anderson 1). Even worse, Occidental College punished a student convicted of two separate counts of rape and assault by making him write a book report (Engel 1). Rape deserves more respect than a book report. It is a federal crime and it should be treated as such. Rapists serve at least months in prison in the real world, so why should a student get a free pass? For schools to have such lackadaisical reprimands, it shows victims …show more content…
Schools are implementing educational programs that inform students about proper procedure during a dangerous situation and workshops that inform students about consent. However, colleges fail to create a foundation for these classes when they refuse to treat rape cases with respect. They often blame, doubt, and disparage victims, while barely punishing offenders. This teaches students that they can get away with rape. To fix this, colleges need proper procedures and compliance with police and government mandates. Campus rape needs to addressed now because it is time for students to feel safe