The Trident

Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: Arts & Opinion

When I first came to W&L, I was told every student at W&L had endless opportunities to create the changes he or she wished to see on our campus. And until now, I thought I had the support of my peers and administrators in striving to do so. It amazes me that a few posters commenting on the reality of life at W&L can cause such an uproar when the sensibilities of an otherwise genteel and, in my opinion, superficially honorable college are challenged. Please inform me if I am incorrect, but previous attempts at opening the lines of communication on the irrationally taboo subject of sexual assault have not decreased the prevalence of rape on our campus. To enact real change requires provocative ideals alongside incontrovertible fact, both of which were embraced in the construction of this campaign. From an institutional standpoint, W&L expects to be taken seriously by peer colleges. Does anyone really believe that the way to do this is to hide behind a façade of student efficacy when, in reality, any attempt at autonomy is thwarted? Yes, these statistics and images are terrifying and offensive. But what is even more offensive is the unwillingness to accept the empowering message behind them all in an effort to make W&L safer, not just for women, but for everyone.

W&L prides itself on attracting well-rounded, intellectual, and innovatively minded students. It defies logic that anyone would expect a prospective student of such caliber to make a decision on attending an institution of higher education without first gathering all the information pertaining to the most imperative realities of his or her future safety. At one point, tour guides were even told to avoid the front doors of the library at all costs because parents would become alarmed, and the guides just would not have the time or the information to explain everything. Of course. How does one explain a rate of sexual assault that is two times the national average on a campus that professes slavish devotion to a community of honor and accountability?

Continued...

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