In many ways, the university campus is an intermediary between high school and the real world. However, just because a crime takes place on a campus, does not mean that it is exempt from the laws of the United States. Campuses across the country however have processes and policies to deal with incidents that are reported to have happened on campus. These policies are often codified in a Student Code Of Conduct.
It is vital that students feel safe and are able to be themselves on campus in order to foster a productive and healthy learning environment. There has recently been an increased level of discussion surrounding on-campus assault and sexual harassment, and there has been a great deal of criticism as to how it is dealt with.
How do universities deal with alleged violent crimes?
Most universities have policies in place that address issues of violence, domestic violence, assault and sexual assault. These policies are a separate but parallel system of discipline to the criminal justice system.
Understanding the problem
Women between the ages of 18 and 21, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled at university, have a four times higher risk of being sexually assaulted than at any other age. The problem is so serious that up to 25 percent of women say they have been sexually assaulted at university. However, many schools have adopted procedeures which have been attacked by students accused on the basis that they deny fundamental due process of law .
Dealing with the problem
Universities and colleges need to have sound procedures in place that help not only to prevent sexual assault but to provide due process of law to those accused of the same.
Source: AAUP, “Campus Sexual Assault: Suggested Policies and Procedures,” accessed Dec. 22, 2017
