ERIC Number: ED564604
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Sep-19
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Hidden Crisis: Including the LGBT Community When Addressing Sexual Violence on College Campuses
Pérez, Zenen Jaimes; Hussey, Hannah
Center for American Progress
Recently, sexual assault on college campuses has received increased national attention. In its first report, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault highlighted steps colleges and universities can take to curb the number of sexual assaults on campuses. For the first time, the U.S. Department of Education has released the names of the schools currently under investigation for Title IX violations--sex-based discrimination, including sexual assault, that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a victim an educational opportunity or benefit. A recent report from the Office of Senator Claire McCaskill shed light on how too many higher-education institutions fail to protect students from sexual assault. Already, these milestones have spurred new bipartisan legislation in the Senate to address the issue. As these conversations continue, the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, survivors of sexual assault must be addressed in order to effectively end sexual assault on college campuses. This document describes how, despite significant strides in creating safer environments for LGBT students, many still experience harassment and violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result of their experiences, LGBT students are more likely to support policies at their colleges and universities that prevent sexual harassment and support survivors. Colleges and universities have a moral and legal obligation to support survivors and prevent sexual assault against students. Sexual assault significantly harms LGBT students and their education, and no response to the sexual violence prevalent on so many campuses across the nation can be complete unless it takes the needs of the LGBT community seriously.
Descriptors: Rape, Violence, Homosexuality, Sexual Orientation, Victims, Campuses, Federal Legislation, Higher Education, School Policy, Safety, Sexual Identity, Gender Discrimination, Prevention, Sexual Harassment
Center for American Progress. 1333 H Street NW 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-682-1611; Web site: http://www.americanprogress.org
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Center for American Progress
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A