Sophie Corbett is a journalism sophomore and Mustang News opinion columnist. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang News. CW: Sexual assault On March 24, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that a person cannot be found guilty…
“The work we have ahead of us;” Women of Cal Poly share what Denim Day means to them
Women and gender studies professor and Education and Communications Director Christina Kaviani said that Denim Day is an opportunity for people across the world to wear denim and showcase a united front regarding sexual assault during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April.
Two of three Safer student advocate positions are vacant
Safer hired one full-time advocate for students that have experienced gender and power based violence on May 11. The university promised to hire two additional advocates in the fall of 2019, but still have not hired them, and hiring is…
SLO saw “unprecedented” increase in rape, violent crimes in 2018, according to police
The City of San Luis Obispo saw an “unprecedented” increase in crime in 2018, according to San Luis Obispo Police (SLOPD) Chief Deanna Cantrell. The city reported a 14 percent increase in violent crime, with spikes in rape, robbery and…
Students and community members gather for survivors at Take Back the Night
Community members marched, performed, lit candles and supported survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence at this year’s Take Back the Night gathering on Thursday, April 25 on Mission Plaza. An international event with history as far back as the…
A senior turned her story into a sexual assault investigation of 61 student survivors
In 1995, Safer — an on-campus confidential advocacy, education and support program concerning sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking — painted red hands at reported sexual assault locations and started the Red Handprint campaign. Twenty-three red…
Caught in a changing system: A survivor’s story after her perpetrator is allowed to re-enroll at Cal Poly
Editor’s note: An animal science senior who wishes to remain anonymous will be referred to as Jane Roe for the purpose of the story. The accused assailant will be referred to as he/him. Jane Roe said she was raped as…
CSU-wide Title IX changes mean sexual misconduct investigations are paused and some reopened
The California State University (CSU) system mandated campuses to halt all current and appeal-pending Title IX sexual misconduct investigations while the CSU adopts a new investigative model. The new model, now required by California law, will guarantee students accused of…
How Betsy DeVos’ Title IX revisions could change sexual assault reporting at Cal Poly
U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos proposed changes to Title IX, the federal law which protects against sex-based discrimination, gives defendants more rights and could reduce university liability for investigating sexual misconduct claims. The proposed changes were released Nov. 16 and…
A survivor’s senior project is investigating sexual assault and rape at Cal Poly
A rape survivor took her experience and propelled it into a senior project, reaching out to others who had similar expereinces and asking what resources Cal Poly provides and could improve upon.
Department of Education opens 24-hour commenting period for Betsy DeVos’ proposed Title IX changes
The Department of Education announced a 24-hour comment period for proposed changes to the Title IX system after a system glitch affected the previous 60-day comment period.