Following the murder of Yeardley Love in the spring of 2010, the University acted swiftly to implement changes in school policy regarding notification of student arrests. The new notification policy implemented this year made it mandatory for students to disclose arrests or convictions prior to the start of the fall semester. Though the new NetBadge arrest notification system is a necessary step to building a safer community, it should one of the University's responses to combating domestic violence on Grounds. While the University works at developing further policy directed at helping the victims of domestic violence, emphasis must be placed on educating the entire community - in particular, faculty and staff. Faculty and staff must take a more prominent role in combating domestic violence on Grounds.
Based on the new University arrest notification policy, students will now be bound by the University's honor code to annually reveal arrests - or risk facing single sanction. Students will be compelled to notify the administration of arrests by answering a yes or no prior to enrolling in classes each year. An earlier policy enacted in 2004 relied on the student to report any arrests or convictions that occurred while attending the University, but a number of students seemed unaware of the requirement. The new policy comes in light of information that George Huguely, a University lacrosse player charged with killing Love, had been arrested in Lexington, Va. in 2008 for resisting arrest, as well as for drunk and disorderly conduct. University officials expressed interest to establish a university-to-university notification system if students here are arrested or convicted of a crime at another university.
While the University should be commended for its efforts in establishing this new notification policy and setting the stage for other institutions, there is still much work to be done. Steps must be taken to immediately increase education amongst student groups and also with faculty. Emphasis on the notification policy fails to recognize that law enforcement and disciplinary action only go so far in preventing domestic violence. Not every abuser will have a prior criminal record, and many students will be involved in relationships with individuals outside of the University and across the country. Just as a piece of paper cannot always deter an abuser, the University's annual notification system is not a catch-all solution to deterring violence.
The University should focus on instituting more policies that directly help the victims instead of emphasizing arrest notification policies. Future such initiatives include training Resident Staff about intimate-partner violence. The Dean of Students also plans to work more closely with the Women's Center and the Sexual Assault research agency to educate women about protection orders and residence relocation. These initiatives are excellent, but still more should be done. Faculty and staff must become more active in combating domestic violence on Grounds. Faculty should be required to undergo annual domestic violence training and professors should be required to report to the Office of the Dean of Students if they suspect a student may be in trouble.
Furthermore, while students should look out for their friends, it is the University's job to protect the well-being of its students. This includes training faculty and staff to create a more comfortable and welcoming class environment where students feel safe talking to professors if they have a problem. Even in a class of 500, a University student should feel that the professor is a resource and a person to talk to if they are experiencing any type of trouble. Some University professors do a better job of this than others. For example, several professors at the University write on their syllabi that they are available and eager to know about students who are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing other problems. Other professors announce a similar message at the beginning of the semester. Such a simple gesture may help save a life and should be encouraged among faculty and staff. This compassion is needed more than ever in light of Love's murder. In particular, professors should be instructed to recognize signs of abuse and should show more concern in reaching out to students. Educating students about domestic violence is essential, but faculty must also take a larger role in helping students who may be at risk of intimate partner violence.
Overall, the University must work to develop a safe and comfortable environment for students who may feel threatened. More new initiatives are needed to make sure members of our community do not suffer in silence again.
Ashley Chappo is an opinion columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at achappo@cavalierdaily.com.
Read More
PARTING SHOT: Does this even matter?
By Jacob Tisdale | 1 hours agoIndividuals and communities can use sports to inspire, to hold space, to heal, to break molds, to change narratives, to honor faith or to come home.
PARTING SHOT: Sometimes it’s okay to fake a smile
By Alexandra Holmes | YesterdayI surrounded myself with people who were so enthusiastic about the University and its potential, that after a while, it was impossible not to feel their passion and their convictions rub off on me.
PARTING SHOT: Girl, what did you expect?
By Cecy Juárez | YesterdayAdvocate for yourself unabashedly, even and especially when you feel like you don’t belong.
