California College President Addresses String of Campus Rapes, Pledges Increased Security

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) President Ellen Neufeldt has released a video statement addressing the campus community following reports of four rapes occurring within the first three weeks of the fall semester. In response to student concerns and a growing demand for enhanced safety measures, Neufeldt announced that the university is increasing security protocols.

The series of attacks, primarily occurring in campus housing and social settings, has caused significant fear among students. Neufeldt described the incidents as "deeply personal" due to her background in advocacy and support for survivors.

"I wanted to come to you personally this morning to address the recent reports around sexual assault on our university campus," Neufeldt said in the video. She assured students that campus police, housing staff, and Title IX personnel are actively engaged and prepared to offer support.

Neufeldt emphasized that many of these assaults involved individuals known to the victims, occurring either in private spaces or at social gatherings. She extended a direct message to survivors, acknowledging the potential trauma caused by these reports and highlighting the availability of resources for those seeking a listening ear or wishing to file a report.

"If you have experienced sexual assault, harassment, recently or in the past, there’s a place for you to go whether you want a listening ear, whether you want a report — whatever it is that’s right for you, we’re here for you," she stated.

The university president reassured parents and the wider community that CSUSM's commitment to preventing and addressing sexual assault is ongoing and that the institution will respond openly and collaboratively to such incidents.

This situation occurs during the "Red Zone," a period recognized nationally as having an elevated risk of sexual violence on college campuses, typically the first six to eight weeks of the fall semester. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that about 50% of campus sexual assaults happen during this time, particularly affecting students new to campus.

Neufeldt acknowledged this trend, stating, "I want you to know that we’re doubling down." Her intervention follows a student-led petition demanding increased security measures after reports of sexual violence left many female students on campus feeling vulnerable. According to the petition, student outreach to the associate vice president for Campus Security as of September 21 had not yet yielded a response.

University officials noted that another assault was reported after a dorm room was broken into on the same day the reports emerged. CSUSM requires all students to complete annual sexual assault awareness training, titled “Title IX and You, Building a Culture of Care,” which educates them on recognizing and reporting incidents and informs them about available campus and community resources.