On Wednesday, Jan. 8, students received a crime alert that changed the outlook of campus for the new semester when it was reported that there had been a sexual assault on campus in Stabler Hall.
Students were confused, scared and worried. Not only was the assault surprising, but it was also highly publicized for days after. When UA Little Rock reopened after winter break, students were more alert than ever. A public forum was held on campus to discuss what happened and what steps are being taken to prevent further incidents.
“We want [students] to know where to go ahead of time,” LaTonda Williams, Title IX Director said. “We want to make sure that every student and employee knows the resources that are available to them – that’s the most important part. Our office wants to ensure that our campus community is free from sex and gender-based discrimination, harassment, misconduct and retaliation. We have to make sure that our students and our employees are fully aware of their rights and protections under Title IX.”
Williams wants students to know that Title lX can be an asset to those who are feeling anxious about the incident.
“It can be overwhelming, because it’s a real feeling to be fearful,” Williams said. “You’re not here to be concerned about that, you’re here to get your education. Keep in mind that if you get to the point that you just don’t feel safe on campus, there are resources available to you. Our office can assist with providing the needed resources to students and employees. If something does happen, and you’re not ready to talk about it, there’s not a statue of limitation when it comes to Title IX reporting, so just because something has happened, does not mean you have to pursue anything at that very moment; however, it’s always better to report as soon as possible because evidence and witnesses can go away. Our office is here to assist when you are ready to pursue your complaint.”
Doctor Molly Smith, a professor in the Criminal Justice department and an expert on sexual assault, says that if students are aware of their surroundings, they are much less likely to encounter any crime.
“I always tell all my students to walk in groups,” she said. “I teach my classes that I do not want to see a single one of them walk out by his or herself. Also, walk with a little care. Walking with your headphones in can be a big problem. It’s hard to remember, but we have to. If you’re nervous about your surroundings, don’t zone out like that. You have instincts for a reason.”
Williams also encourages students to stick together when walking around campus.
“[Students should] watch out for one another,” Williams said. “You have to make sure that when you leave out of your class that you have a partner, somebody to buddy up with to walk you to your car, walk you back to your residence hall. Also be aware of the telephones on campus. It really is common sense type things, but now we’ve just been reminded of the things to be aware of, because sometimes we take it for granted, you really may not think that much about it, but we do need to.”
Both Williams and Smith encourage students to take advantage of campus resources.
“Our campus is safe, and that’s why we pursue investigations of anyone who is a member of our community, though our office pursues formal investigations against students and employees who are accused of sexual assault, we will not force a complainant through our process if they’re not ready,” Williams said. “Sometimes a person just wants someone to talk to. If a student is seeking confidential counseling, they should contact the university’s Counseling Services department. The licensed health care professionals in the Counseling Services and Health Services departments are exempt from reporting to the Office of Title IX, so you can go and talk to them and they’re not going to report anything to our office unless you want them to. All university employees, including student employees are mandated to report incidents of sex and gender-based discrimination, harassment, misconduct and retaliation within 24 hours of receiving information.”
Smith also thinks that campus services are key to helping students.
“Use your campus resources,” Smith said. “Be diligent, if you’re anywhere on campus and you feel like you can’t walk from your car to the library or where you want to go, all you need to do is call public safety and they will provide someone who will take you where you need to go. Use the blue lights on campus, I know we all have our phones now but they really count. And then counseling services, there’s benefit to something like that here. These are free services that your tuition pays for so make sure you use them.”
Smith urges students to remember that incidents like this are rare, and UA Little Rock is a safe campus.
“In general, UA Little Rock is a large, pretty safe campus,” Smith said. “That doesn’t mean it’s a completely safe campus. Something can happen right, no matter how aware of our surroundings we are. That said, it shouldn’t paralyze you with fear. The faculty and staff have tried their absolute hardest and mostly succeeded in providing the safest environment for students as possible.”
Not only will DPS be increasing their presence on campus, but services are available to students who feel uncomfortable around campus. Counseling services are also available for any students who feel affected by the assault. To schedule an appointment call 501-569-3185. Any university employees should contact the Employee Assistant Program at 501-686-2588 or uams.edu/eap. Coming up, the month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month so training and education will be provided around campus. For more information on the Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities, please contact LaTonda Williams at 501-975-2556 or lwwilliams@ualr.edu.
