By implementing changes at the Advocacy Center, the university is being proactive in checking for repeat sexual offenders. Still, more clarity is necessary for students to fully understand what these changes entail.

In some student cases, the Advocacy Center will now pass limited information from student accounts onto the university’s Title IX officer. This information varies between cases, but will not typically include such specific details as names.

The goal is to compare accounts to look for signs of repeat sexual offenders.

It’s practical of university officials to consider the potential for repeat offenders on campus, although there are no current issues. The details regarding what specific information will be shared are vague, though, and lack clarity for students.

The Syracuse University student body needs to be made aware of what information could be reported to the Title IX officer.

It is not enough for staff and volunteers to just inform students about the change upon arriving at the center for assistance. The student body should also receive an email notification about the new practice. Without this, misinformation about the changes could spread, which may deter students from taking advantage of the center’s services.

The Advocacy Center is viewed as an attractive resource because of its one-on-one, personal assistance. The center should consider how students will perceive its image once they learn about this new practice. Lack of information about the change could cause students to lose trust in how the center functions.

Students should also know there are other campus resources that are considered “privileged,” which means confidential information remains within these places. The Counseling Center and Vera House are both options that grant total privacy.

The issue of sexual assault is an extremely sensitive topic, particularly for anyone who encounters any form of abuse. To properly address this issue, the Advocacy Center and university officials should be more transparent and handle it with care.

Published on September 23, 2013 at 2:09 am

Contact: opinion@dailyorange.com