In light of the recent sexual assaults on campus, the InterFraternity Council has wisely decided to make anti-sexual-violence training more rigorous for its members.
Under the new regulations, 75 percent of fraternities’ membership must attend a training session on sexual-violence prevention, as well as all new members. One in Four, the sexual-assault-education group, also modified its sessions in response to the sexual assaults to better educate fraternity members.
These are good first steps — more knowledge is always a good thing, and initiative in response to this issue is similarly appreciated. But many fraternity members already attend One in Four workshops, and, especially as of late, there is much general awareness of the magnitude of sexual violence.
After training sessions end, fraternities must make sure to incorporate continued, active discussions on making sure that sexual violence is condemned.
Similarly, precautions and individual behavior must constantly be monitored and evaluated to ensure that a busy, boisterous party is as safe as possible.
Right now is a time for critical self-reflection, for everyone across campus. Everyone should be evaluating his or her own behavior, especially in large, tipsy crowds.
But fraternities are often the hosts of the biggest campus parties, which inevitably pose more risk and therefore carry more consequences. Increasing training requirements is a beginning, but we want to make sure they’re not the end.
