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Texas State attempt at sexual assault prevention not measuring up

By: Lauren Bogard
l_b205@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas- Students at Texas State University are no strangers to sexual assault, and when asked about the topic, there were some significantly different opinions. Across the board, it is seen in a negative light, but the inconsistencies in opinion appeared in how much Texas State is doing and where we go from here in regard to prevention.

Not on My Campus (NOMC), an on-campus awareness program, was implemented at Texas State in 2016 to help spread awareness and speak out about sexual assault. Summer Hawkins, a junior at Texas State and member of NOMC, said being a part of NOMC has exposed her to the different ways Texas State deals with sexual assault and what more they could be doing.

“I think they should be providing resources like counseling and things like that because right now you have to pay for counseling, so I think free counseling would be super helpful,” said Hawkins. “Speaking out and condemning the actions of people who’ve done them and taking people’s reports seriously is important for the university body to do.”

Political Science major and junior Sasha Merritt said college is too late to start teaching people that sexual assault is wrong.

“I really don’t think you can start the process now; college is too late to start. You should’ve gotten this information in middle and high school, even just being raised right,” said Merritt. “I think Texas State can start taking reports more seriously and keeping them anonymous for the victim’s sake and comfort.”

Nikki Schmerber, a 22-year-old senior at Texas State, also said that Texas State struggles with seeing the severity of the reports made and giving appropriate punishments to those being rightfully accused.

“People who have been accused of [sexual assault] get slapped on the wrist, and I think Texas State could use other examples from other college campuses of how they deal with sexual assault cases,” said Schmerber. “Actually, if someone is accused of sexual assault and has been proven to be guilty of it, to actually take action against them. That will help people who it has happened to not to be scared to come out.”

Almost unanimously, students are wanting to see Texas State step up and do more in dealing with and punishing the people who victims are reporting.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, don’t hesitate to report the incident and seek the resources you need by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visiting https://www.rainn.org.



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