Berea College Blames Victim for Being Sexually Assaulted
Will the Decision Alienate Alumni and Donors?
It all began in March 2010, when a Berea College student came forward claiming that she had been sexually assaulted by a (then) professor. The professor was later arrested under the charge of sex abuse which is a Class D felony. In January, Demetrius Semien pleaded guilty to lesser charge of fourth degree assault against the student.
A lawsuit filed by the student against the college is asking for $4,000 in damages. This includes past and future medical bills, mental and physical pain and suffering, punitive damages and also costs surround the litigation and a trial by jury.
The response was decisive. Legal counsel for Berea College blames the sexual assault victim for her injuries and is asking that the suit be dropped. Not only that but legal counsel for Berea College is also asking for "..any and all other relief to which it may be properly entitled".
First legal counsel for Berea College blames the sexual assault victim then it adds salt to the wounds. Not cool.
Sexual assault victims are not responsible being hurt. In today's world, there is no room to say that injuries "were caused and brought about by her own negligence and/or intentional act". This point of view is both harmful and antiquated.
My family has had nothing but overwhelmingly positive contact with the school. As the parent of an alumnus I am deeply saddened by the direction of counsel. As an advocate I am deeply angered.
The Sexual Assault Reporting Guidelines and Information in the Student Handbook tell a different story. It defines a representative as any college representative is any faculty or staff member. Yet, legal counsel for the school says that the former professor did not represent the school. It's difficult to have it both ways.
Advocates work to educate the public about the realities of sexual assault. For years we have taught that no means no. It doesn't mean "maybe" and it doesn't mean "yes" and it doesn't mean that victims are responsible. Abusers create victims. Victims don't create abusers. It really is that simple.
There is a strong backlash as Berea College blames a sexual assault victim for her injuries. A petition on Change.Org is gaining momentum. Alumni do not support Berea Colleges Statements that place blame on Sexual Assault Victim. Bloggers are writing about it and people are talking about the situation on Twitter.
Each of these people is a potential donor. The college might do well to rethink its stance and issue an apology.
In this day of funding shortfalls the school would do well to rethink its position.
Every school needs a donor support base to help offset budget shortfalls. The majority of the support usually comes from alumni, their families and the public at large.
Right now, as legal counsel for Berea College blames a sexual assault victim, it is apparent that the alumni are paying attention. Whether they will help the college pay its bills in the future remains to be seen.
Sources:
http://richmondregister.com/localnews/x1281098633/College-denies-responsibility-for-student-assault
http://www.lex18.com/news/former-berea-college-professor-faces-sex-charges
http://www.change.org/petitions/alumni-do-not-support-berea-colleges-statements-that-place-blame-on-sexual-assault-victim#?opt_new=f&opt_fb=t
http://www.berea.edu/cataloghandbook/sturegs/srr/sexualassault.asp
Published by Gayle Crabtree
Gayle is an expert in budget and family travel. She is a trained mission team leader who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Her road trips experiences include traveling with di... View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentVictim blaming, a common and disgusting cop out. When will these people realize that no amount of misbehavior on a victim's side changes the fact that they are victims?
Thanks for bringing us this eye-opening report, well done!
Doggone - take us right back to the 60s when it was always the woman's fault. Well, it is clear how far we have advanced in our society. Thank Heaven we are still allowed to vote :)
Such a great report!! Thank you!!
Excellent reporting. rcj
Not cool Berea. Pay up and settle. That is the quickest way to not let this get ugly.
I am a survivor who cannot begin to comprehend what this girl is going through. Everybody, please sign the petition. Even if you're not an alumni you can help stand up to this.
Tell everybody that you know to come sign it too. She needs an apology!
http://www.change.org/petitions/alumni-do-not-support-berea-colleges-statements-that-place-blame-on-sexual-assault-victim#?opt_new=f&opt_fb=t
I am a current student at berea college and a friend of the victim and i am disgusted with the actions and audacity this institution has shown. This "christian institution" lives by the motto "God has made of one blood all people of the earth" . The president of this college consistently states how he protects students and is an ordained minister. I have a hard time comprehending how a man of faith and a follower of God would allow his legal counsel to release such a horrendous statement that blames the victim. It's time that some one stand up to the Berea College Administration and speak out with no fear.
that's awful. what a bunch of jerks, really.
Superb reporting on this. Well done!