Campus Rape and Sexual Assault

The situation painted by the article and video on the present state of sexual assault in American universities is depressing. It is difficult to fathom that institutions of higher learning are unable to deal conclusively with the rise in rape cases despite the fact that they are institutions that generate knowledge. The continued focus on the state of our campuses is critical in several senses. The first significance is that our universities are becoming transparent by acknowledging incidences of rape. It is heartwarming to witness such bravery in terms of crises. Universities are still inept when dealing with cases of sexual assault within their walls and compounds
. They should be more proactive in protecting vulnerable students by actively engaging the students, law enforcement and other stakeholders in the fight against the scourge. It is only by genuinely admitting their faults and opening their doors to the scrutiny that the incidences of rape and sexual assault can be prevented.
From a personal perspective, the school culture at MSU has been proactive in sensitizing students about the harm caused by criminal activities to other students and the institution at large. As one joins college, it becomes apparent that personal security and welfare must be prioritized by the student, especially since there is no guardian to chaperon you. Most incidences of sexual assault tend to happen during school parties when most students are under the influence of intoxicants. The party atmosphere at such events provides a perfect opportunity for students to handle others inappropriately. At MSU, such incidences are not widespread, but it is important for all students to be on the look-out. Additionally, MSU students have formed groups to create awareness about the cases of sexual assault, including an action plan on ways to deal with complaints. The students are working in concert with the administration to address the issue at a policy level.
At MSU, sexual assault cases have been on the rise. The incidences have precipitated reaction from the authority, which is now collaborating with law enforcement and the student body to handle all cases of sexual assault. The Federal Bureau of Investigations has accused MSU of handling student complaints inappropriately.  In two instances of sexual assault, the institution was charged with failing to respond to the complaints by students in time. Additionally, students did not know of the avenues where violations are reported, increasing their exposure to increased harm. The institution, to its credit, has responded to these criticisms by improving their response to sexual assault complaints. It is now working closely with law enforcement, even though most students remain unimpressed by the rate of progress.
The absence of any substantive action about the handling of rape and sexual assault claims can be attributed to a variety of factors. Most prominent among them is the fact that most universities, including MSU, are not sure of how to approach the issue. There are too many expectations among stakeholders, making MSU involve a lot of players, a process that takes time and capacity. MSU, like any institution, is bogged by institutional incapacities that make it difficult to address the complex nature of sexual assault cases. The university also needs to protect its reputation as an institution of higher learning. The desire to protect reputations can result in inadequate efforts being taken to remediate the complaints since admitting rape cases are on the rise might imply that the administration is unwilling or reluctant to protect its students. They might be afraid of losing out in admissions if it is publicized that there are a lot of rape cases on its campuses.