A panel of experts highlighted issues concerning campus rape and questioned UW System’s handling of sexual violence cases Monday.
With enthusiastic responses from the audience, panel members condemned the UW System’s Chapter 17 policy, which dictates how nonacademic misconduct, including sexual violence cases, are managed.
The UW System’s Chapter 17 policy does not require the accused to give a statement, which some say gives the accused an advantage because he or she then knows the complainant's argument explicitly and can deny any details.
Panelists said the policy falls short in protecting and providing support for victims of these cases.
“There must be a clear policy where there is zero tolerance for sexual assault, and expulsion is the first sanction,” Natalie Weill, UW-Madison nursing student and member of the panel, said. “UW-Madison policy [is] designed to protect the rights of the perpetrator.”
Anne McClintock, professor of English and Gender and Women’s Studies, attributed the System’s reluctance to investigating sexual violence to the administration’s misplaced priorities.
“[The system’s] priority, tragically, is to protect their reputation rather than their students; they can be very reluctant to investigate sexual assault cases,” McClintock said.
According to a statement from the Dean of Students Office, these Chapter 17 policies are separate from legal ramifications and are meant to be “educational.”
“The nonacademic misconduct process is designed to provide and help maintain an educational atmosphere with emphasis on developing individual understanding and acceptance of personal and social responsibilities; creating a sense of belonging within a welcoming environment,” the statement said.
Dean of Students Lori Berquam said she believes Chapter 17 needs to be revised in order to foster a safer environment for students and mutual understanding of sexual violence.
“Sexual violence is horrible and it makes a huge impact on our students who are victims of sexual violence, so [Chapter 17] absolutely needs to be revised,” Berquam said. “It’s important that our campus comes together to recognize the impact [of] sexual violence on our students.”
UW-Madison student Ben Reiland described Monday’s panel as “horrifying and insightful” and said he hopes to see more power given to victims and the student body.
“It was really infuriating to the point where I was almost in tears,” Reiland said.
Other students said they want an increase in student conversation with the administration about changes within legislation to foster a safer atmosphere on campus.
