An Analysis of Sexual Assault Education and Anti-Sexual Assault Policies : A study of Kalamazoo College

Abstract

This study analyzes the systems of power that construct and normalize sexual violence. Furthermore, The author assesses the ways that systems of power like patriarchy and racism systematically perpetuate sexual violence and impact the effectiveness of sexual assault education and anti-sexual assault policies on college campuses. The author argues that although college campuses like Kalamazoo College provide sexual assault education and follow Title IX policies, these practices are limited to the pre-existing influences of patriarchy and racism. By interviewing 15 Kalamazoo College students, she examines how students perceive the Title DC training and sexual assault education that is provided by the Dean of Students Office. Results indicated negative experiences with Title IX training, enforcement of sexual misconduct policies, and education about sexual assault and consent. The focus of this project is to analyze how the normalization of sexual violence impacts students’ provision of sexual assault education and Title IX protections at college campuses.