Management Perceptions of Sexual Violence on Campus

This paper uses a Critical Race Theory lens with which to consider the approach taken by university management in a case study institution to the problem of sexual violence. Sexual violence and harassment on university campuses are not a new concern, but a widespread issue. (Freeman and Klein 2012; Lewis, Marine and Kenney 2016; National Union of Students (NUS) 2015; Phipps and Smith 2012; Phipps and Young 2013). Universities are significant sites for action for tackling sexual violence because they have a duty to provide safe and positive university experiences during this time.
In this paper it is contended that there is a ‘gap’ between the requirements of the law and the measures taken by the case study to address the problem. The implications of this gap will be discussed in this paper. Further, and significantly, the views expressed by some of the university management team appear racist and classist and the problem of sexual violence is located with a particular group of students, absolving the case study university of any obligation to take action. The findings of this research will be discussed and the implications of these views considered further in light of reports such as the recent one from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, ‘Racial harassment in higher education: our inquiry’.