Editorial
Hamilton Community responds positively to need for change
By Editorial Staff
October 27, 2016
Tags editorial
Sexual violence is a problem plaguing college campuses across the country, and Hamilton is no exception. While the sexual assault epidemic has persisted for some time, the recent HSMB report generated palpable student outrage: flyers, student publications and a Student Assembly meeting featuring Title IX Coordinator Lisa Magnarelli. Those are only a few tangible examples of the community’s concern over not only the existence and frequency of sexual assault, but the administration’s use of a policy that uses demerit points as one form of discipline for sexual misconduct.
In the face of widespread feelings of injustice, distrust and anger, The Spectator would like to commend the continued dedication and support of community activists and allies in taking concrete steps towards reforming an imperfect system and fostering a campus culture that does not tolerate sexual misconduct.
Only 16 days ago, a small group of students created SMART, the Sexual Misconduct and Assault Reform Task-Force. In a little over two weeks, an entire three-pronged task force came into being with a structured list of projects and goals that have been largely neglected by members of the administration. To start, SMART has set up constructive meetings next week with noted sociologist Dr. Rashawn Ray and Officer Dennis Dougherty, the senior investigator for the NYS Police Campus Assault Victims Unit.
The establishment of SMART is only one piece of student collaboration to make our campus more of a community—one that is respectful, supportive and above all, safe. Since the group’s inception, dozens of students from all niches of Hamilton (Greek organizations, club leaders and individual students of diverse gender identities, ages and backgrounds) have expressed their support and intention to combine forces to effect the positive change that is so urgently needed.
We have a lot of work to do and there are unfortunately no quick fixes in sight, but the electrifying drive and persistent motivation exhibited by such a significant portion of the student body give us hope for a solution. The current climate on campus is one of inspiration and determination in the face of institutional and cultural obstacles. We see this as a major opportunity for Hamilton College to develop a new policy approach that will change the way these issues are handled all over the country.
Students, faculty and staff of the Hamilton community are all prepared to rise to the challenge of protecting students’ right to a safe learning environment.