Colleges Can Do More to Prevent Sexual Assault, Sociologist Says

Recent events at Cornell University have brought renewed attention to the persistent issue of sexual assault on college campuses. A lawsuit filed by a former student against the university and members of the Chi Phi fraternity, alleging rape, has led to an investigation, student protests, and calls for the university president's resignation. Cornell has suspended fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year.

Sociologist Elizabeth Armstrong, who has researched campus sexual assault since the early 2000s, notes that while public discourse on the issue ebbs and flows, spurred by incidents like the 1991 Time magazine cover story on campus rape or the 2016 Stanford swimmer case, the underlying dynamics of campus social life remain a critical factor.

Armstrong explains that at many four-year residential universities, fraternities often control party resources, including space and alcohol. This dynamic has been amplified on some campuses, like Cornell's, where the pandemic's impact on local nightlife has further centralized social activity around Greek organizations. For many first-year students, especially those under 21 seeking to drink, navigating this scene to find parties and social opportunities can be challenging and risky, often without clear guidance from universities.

Armstrong points to research that highlights concepts like "sexual geography," where the physical and social organization of a campus can increase risk. For instance, if students' primary social spaces are dorm rooms with beds, this can be riskier than having non-sexualized communal lounges. The availability of substance-free social options and spaces for marginalized student groups also plays a role.

Colleges could implement measures to improve safety, Armstrong suggests, such as offering transportation services like Lyft subscriptions to ensure students can get home safely. Another proposal includes transforming fraternities into co-ed organizations rather than outright abolition. Armstrong also notes that while discussions around male loneliness and fraternity culture exist, research indicates fraternities may offer a sense of brotherhood rather than deep friendship, potentially not resolving the issue of male loneliness.

While some campuses have moved to abolish Greek life, Armstrong suggests that universities could focus on creating "learning-living" communities centered around themes or interests to help students form friendships. She emphasizes that sexual assault and intimate partner violence occur across all campus social structures, not just within Greek life, underscoring the need for broader solutions.

Regarding progress on addressing sexual assault since the Obama administration's 2011 Title IX guidance, Armstrong observes a gradual increase in public understanding. More people now grasp the reasons women may not report assaults, such as fear of retaliation or trauma. She also points to the changing demographics of journalists covering these issues as a significant factor in raising public awareness.

Armstrong acknowledges the backlash to the campus sexual assault movement, particularly the rollback of Title IX regulations under the Trump administration. The 2020 regulations made it significantly more difficult to hold individuals accountable for sexual misconduct on campus. She notes that the Cornell case, where some students were expelled despite these hurdles, suggests the evidence was particularly compelling.

Survivors, Armstrong states, often seek processes that are less lengthy and re-traumatizing than current Title IX or criminal justice routes. She highlights the importance of "supportive measures"—services that ensure survivors can remain healthy and continue their education, such as tuition refunds, mental health services, academic accommodations, or immigration support. Establishing comprehensive centers, similar to Michigan State University's Center for Survivors, could serve as a vital resource for students navigating these challenges.