Many of the students of Coastal Carolina University are deeply disappointed with the events associated with the October 31st Sex and Ethics panel discussion. RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) reports that “Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.” According to a survey conducted by Campus Sexual Assault (CSA), "13.7% of undergraduate women had been victims of at least one completed sexual assault since entering college: 4.7% were victims of physically forced sexual assault; 7.8% of women were sexually assaulted when they were incapacitated after voluntarily consuming drugs, alcohol or both; and 0.6% were sexually assaulted when they were incapacitated after having been given a drug without their knowledge.” At the Sex and Ethics forum it became apparent that Coastal Carolina University students do not acknowledge sexual assault as an issue of importance. However, this outlook is not the general consensus of the entire student body. This petition's purpose is to address the widespread culture of rape and hegemonic masculinity of which CCU is also clearly suffering. We ask that administration incorporate some of our requests in their response to recent events. As concerned students, we would like to see: partnership with the Rape Crisis Center, reevaluation of our University's application of Title IX’s sexual assault protocols, evaluation of the accuracy of the Clery report, a more extensive sexual assault and consent training requirement for all students, and a public apology from the administration to denounce the commentary made at the Sex and Ethics panel and a reaffirmation of their commitment to create a safe and healthy environment. Too often issues of sexual assault are largely ignored or given little value by administrators and students, and students need to feel confirmed in their beliefs that CCU is a safe community in which to grow and thrive.

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