California College Students Arm Themselves Amid String of Rapes

Female students at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) say they are arming themselves with pepper spray and walking in groups for safety, expressing concerns about the university's response to a series of alleged rapes. The incidents occurred during the "Red Zone," a period in early fall when nearly half of all college sexual assaults take place.

In September, CSUSM reported four rapes occurring on the 5th, 6th, 13th, and 18th of the month, with incidents taking place at locations including The Quad, University Village Apartments, and Black Oak Hall. An additional report of a sexual assault following a reported dorm room break-in came on September 21st.

Students have voiced dissatisfaction with the university's safety initiatives. Megan Chavez, a literature and writing student, described the mandatory Title IX training as disorganized and criticized a flyer about sexual assault response featuring a cartoon cat as "disrespectful." "Everything around keeping students safe and everything around teaching consent, affirmative consent and preventing sexual violence, it just feels super disorganized," Chavez stated.

Freshman Adamaris Maya expressed feeling less safe at the university than in her hometown, suggesting a need for improved security. "I would say I feel more safe back home than I do here now," Maya told The Post. "I think I should have stayed home instead of coming."

Another student, Nohemi Escano, voiced anxieties about the escalating potential for further violence. "After that, what comes next? Possible murder, possible kidnapping. It scales. It goes through levels, and that doesn’t make me feel safe," Escano said. "I have two 8 p.m. classes. I don’t feel safe."

University spokesperson Jerry McCormick stated that the reported assaults are not believed to be connected and that the individuals involved knew each other. In response to the incidents, University President Ellen Neufeldt announced that the school is increasing police patrols, implementing overnight security in residential areas, and enhancing front desk staffing and guest registration at specific campus housing locations. Neufeldt also emphasized that students have the right to have fun and be safe, regardless of their sobriety.

CSUSM also offers a service where students can request an escort for walking across campus or to their vehicles, though some students feel this is insufficient given the recent events.