Katie Klabusich

Host

Campus Sexual Assault: It's Personal

Jun 12, 2014·151 visitors

Wagatwe Wanjuki

Cohost

Stage· 252 messages

Jun 12, 2014

"At first I thought that it was my own fault that the school did not care enough to do anything; I wondered if I was a perfect enough victim to warrant any concern.”n1/5 women are assaulted b4 they leave college; despite this epidemic students feel alone & aren't aware that they have recourse under fed law.nTitle IX activist Wagatwe Wanjuki is back w/me to talk a little "101" & share some of her story: http://prospect.org/article/white-house-action-campus-sexual-violence-me-its-personal

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

Hi, everyone! Thanks for coming to "Campus Sexual Assault: It's Personal (some Title IX 101)" (new ProTip: there’s a mobile app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tawkers/id791417999?mt=8 )

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Bo Essa

“Hey ”

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jane KY Kini Malia

“helo”

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

Real quick, if you’re new to Tawkers, Wagatwe and I will be chatting on the left. And if you’re signed in (it only takes two minutes to set up a profile!), you can add comments/questions on the right. Interrupt any time with questions!

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:01 AM

Hello everyone!

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

Also, definitely use the “arrow” icons to share comments on social media & ask people you know will dig the discussion to join in.

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

Before we start, my tawks are a safe space. Ask questions, share — but no abusive language will be tolerated. If you need to mute someone, click the “ … “ under the thumbs in their comment or click on their profile.

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

With the disclaimers out of the way, "Campus Sexual Assault: It's Personal” — with a likely side of #SurvivorPrivilege. Thanks so much for joining me, Wagatwe!

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:01 AM

Thanks for having me!

Katie Klabusich · 12:02 AM

So, originally, this was going to be just about Title IX, your activism and what’s going on with the White House task force. Then George Will wrote a column. And you dished out some righteous anger. Definitely we’ll get to that too.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:02 AM

Can't wait =)

Katie Klabusich · 12:02 AM

But first, tell folks who don’t know a little bit about what Title IX is and why it’s important — not just to you, but to everyone.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:03 AM

Title IX is a US federal civil rights law that outlaws sex discrimination in education. So a school that receives federal funds *must* address all instances of sexual harassment - which includes sexual violence.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:04 AM

It's important because sexual violence impacts a student's ability to enjoy their educational environment and also just do their jobs as students and learn properly.

Katie Klabusich · 12:04 AM

(Most people are just familiar with the "must have X number of girls sports teams part" -- but the sexual assault protections are sped important.)

Katie Klabusich · 12:04 AM

(**super)

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:05 AM

Yes! Title IX is about the civil right to an education free of sexual violence. Schools need to do their part to not just address sexual violence in the aftermath. It also has it do its job to prevent it

Katie Klabusich · 12:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jeffrey Barrois

“hi*”

Katie Klabusich · 12:05 AM

And -- this'll shock everyone -- until recently, schools were not exactly doing their part.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:05 AM

Nope. They saw sexual violence as a PR problem rather than a safety problem.

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“hello!!!”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:06 AM

Luckily the Dept of Education is working to clarify school's responsibilities and holding them accountable

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:06 AM

(when the schools arent doing their job and students call them out on it)

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

Yeah, they don't want the parents of 17 y/o prospective students hearing that 1 in 5 girls on campus are assaulted.

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Melinda Dunn

“Hello”

Katie Klabusich · 12:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Stacey Dunn

“Hello”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:07 AM

Right. What we need to talk about that this is a problem at every campus. And when a school denies there is an issue of sexual assault on their campus, that is a RED FLAG.

Katie Klabusich · 12:07 AM

Yes! "What? No. Nooooo problem here." -__-

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:07 AM

That means they opt to sweep things under the rug instead of addressing sexual violence head on.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:07 AM

Exactly. If a school says they've had 0 reported rapes, RUN IN THE OTHER DIRECTION.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:07 AM

It just simply isnt true.

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

The reason the federal protections are SO important for colleges and universities -- even more so than at other institutions -- is enacting change as a student is REALLY HARD.

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

And that's for any issue. You're only there a few years.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:08 AM

yep and colleges take advantage of that.

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

Unless the problem happens immediately and you immediately decide to -- at like age 19 -- to become an activist, you won't be there long enough.

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

They totally do.

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

The bet on powerlessness and time.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:09 AM

high activist turnover - through burnout and graduation/transfer is real.

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

For sure!

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:09 AM

they know it and they (administrators) abuse it

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mag R

“What can non-students who aren't even part of the school community do to change this?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

Mag -- first up: believe survivors.

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

As a group, survivors don't lie. It's really hard to come forward for reasons like the one Wagatwe gave in her American Prospect piece:

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

"At first I thought that it was my own fault that the school did not care enough to do anything; I wondered if I was a perfect enough victim to warrant any concern.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:10 AM

(Go read it, btw: http://prospect.org/article/white-house-action-campus-sexual-violence-me-its-personal )

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:10 AM

Also, there are great programs and groups, like Know Your IX that give some guidance on supporting http://knowyourix.org/i-want-to/support-survivor/

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“if its hard for women in "normal" life to come forward about rape,its gonna be doubly hard for these young girls/women to come forward.”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:11 AM

I have a long story, but essentially the reason why I spoke up was because I felt like I no longer had anything to lose.

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

I think that's the reason a lot of people finally stand up.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:11 AM

I lost my friends, my academic record was shot, and I even got kicked out. All I had was my voice.

Katie Klabusich · 12:12 AM

And this was at an elite university, folks -- Tufts.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:12 AM

In a sense I found it easier to speak publicly because I was able to come in contact with more people who would support me.

Katie Klabusich · 12:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“poeple need to realise there ARE folk out there that do care and will listen/talk.”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:13 AM

Yup. And people who are willing to listen and do care need to be vocal about their presence, I think.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:13 AM

I didn't know about title ix until it was too late, but I did notice the Tufts University administrators were more scared when I was asserting my rights.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:13 AM

I knew ethically what they did was wrong, bt it took until the very end for me to find otu what they did was ilegal.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:14 AM

To read more about the basics of Title IX, visit: http://knowyourix.org/title-ix/title-ix-the-basics/

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:14 AM

Also, for a more detailed account of Title IX, http://knowyourix.org/title-ix/title-ix-in-detail/

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

So that brings up the federal task force.

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

You were part of a group that delivered more than 175,000 signatures to the board of ed last summer!

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

And it sounds like the White House heard some of your demands.

Katie Klabusich · 12:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“When I was a resident assistant, I was trained to encourage survivors who brought their story to my attention to go to the "authorities". Knowing what I know now, I think I would have said something during that presentation.”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:15 AM

Yes! So almost a year ago my friends and I created the campaign ED ACT NOW. We launched w/ a petition http://change.org/EdActNow and rally

Katie Klabusich · 12:15 AM

"Yanno, we just created a little campaign with a few people..." <grin>

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:15 AM

Yes! I think that is a valuable conversation, Michael. Survivors need to have a choice as to whether they want tjust to use campus ajudication, the police, or both.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:16 AM

I wrote about why having the courts be the sole way to address campus rape is a bad idea here: feministing.com/2014/03/14/response-to-rainn-campus-rape-recommendations/

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:17 AM

But essentially after ED ACT NOW launched, we spoke with authorities at the Dept of Ed (in Sec. Duncan), DOJ, and Office of the VP.

Katie Klabusich · 12:17 AM

Totally -- imagine like ONE Law & Order SVU episode. How many times do you hear the survivor tell their story.

Katie Klabusich · 12:17 AM

And that's just in a 60 min episode. That goes on for YEARS with only about 3% chance that anything will come of it. So, not everyone wants to go through that.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:17 AM

and Law and Order SVU actually shows cops who care about rape victims LOL sadly that is not the reality

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:17 AM

(for the most part)

Katie Klabusich · 12:17 AM

True.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:18 AM

Nope. I reported myself and the prosecution didnt care to bring the case forward. I think folks forget that the right to a safe campus is a CIVIL right, and not something that can be addressed by a criminal prosecution system

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:18 AM

alone

Katie Klabusich · 12:18 AM

Excellent point. You're the queen of transition! Because....

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:19 AM

To learn more about the White House Task Force and its work, check out: notalone.gov

Katie Klabusich · 12:19 AM

It turns out, not everyone (cough, George Will) believes that sexual assault is an issue on college campuses.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:19 AM

Ugh. Yeah.

Katie Klabusich · 12:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Anastasia Scangas

“that was awful”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:20 AM

Two thoughts: is campus rape less heinous if less than 1 in 5 women are survivors? (answer: no)

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:20 AM

Second: there is so much data showing that this is a thing. Study after study. Over a long period of time.

Katie Klabusich · 12:20 AM

Exactly.

Katie Klabusich · 12:20 AM

George Will doesn't like your math.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:20 AM

Must be nice to be able to ignore the reality of being raped while getting an education.

Katie Klabusich · 12:21 AM

Right? If you missed his column -- I have a piece up at HuffPo that links to a BUNCH of the responses written all over including mine: huff.to/1l1EaJd

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“I guess another thing people can do is be cognizant of rape culture in general and learn what consent means to drown out voices like Will”

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mag R

“Are any schools looking at teaching about consent as a way to lower number of assaults? Seems that too many people (perpetrators) don't understand what rape is, and don't see their actions as wrong”

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

Mag -- great question. Do you know, Twe?

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Melinda Dunn

“During Freshman Orientation, all the students had their cards checked for an attendance-mandatory presentation on consent. It was funny, informative, and got the point across that if the other person can't/won't consent is rape.”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:22 AM

Here is a link that touches upon the veracity of the 1 in 5 stat http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2014/may/02/are-20-percent-women-sexually-assaulted-they-gradu/?fb_action_ids=10100363393942438&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=f

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“if 1 in 5 are survivors, what about the 4 in 5 that arent?”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:22 AM

And students arent the only ones who need to know about rape culture. College admin and faculty need to be aware of it, too. Or else they just perpetuate it.

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

Lucy -- good point! SHouldn't they also be able to feel safe? Just because you managed to avoid getting assaulted, you probably know someone who has been and should be able to feel safe at your school.

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Melinda Dunn

“@Mag R Seattle University does this.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“I darkly wonder now about how much understanding of consent George Will had when HE was in college”

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Anastasia Scangas

“I think, for some reason, people still believe constent is implicit”

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

I do as well, Anastasia.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:23 AM

I often say that "The absence of no does NOT equal yes."

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“I particularly like the book 'Yes Means Yes' for discussion on consent”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:24 AM

we forget that consent isnt about avoiding a no. it's about enthusiastic consent. dont you want to be with someone who is so excited to jump into bed with you?

Katie Klabusich · 12:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Anastasia Scangas

“And, the other problem is that people don't undstand what sexual assault can entail, that it isn't just, and I hate this phrase, "rape rape"”

Katie Klabusich · 12:24 AM

YES -- I DO!

Katie Klabusich · 12:24 AM

Frankly, I'm better in bed when I'm enthusiastically interested. I mean, come on.

Katie Klabusich · 12:24 AM

lol

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:24 AM

Also, we need to be willing to acknowledge that the campus rape problem isn't an issue that boils down to misunderstandings.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:24 AM

Campus rapists are predators who take advantage of the leniency of colleges when it comes to holding them accountable.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:25 AM

Most campus rapists are repeat offenders. They knwo what they're doing.

Katie Klabusich · 12:26 AM

Absolutely. And that they happen in the context of dating and pre-existing physical relationships a lot of the time.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:26 AM

Here's a study showing that one of the best ways to reduce campsu sexual violence is to (GASP) punish rapists! http://www.sociology.uiowa.edu/nsfworkshop/JournalArticleResources/Bachman_Paternoster_SexualOffending_1992.pdf (PDF)

Katie Klabusich · 12:27 AM

Hahaha -- SHOCKING

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:27 AM

Yes. This is why admin need to be trained. I know my report was taken less seriously bc my assailant was an ex by the time I came forward. they thought i was a "jilted/crazy ex"

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:28 AM

We need to recognize that intimate partner violence happens on college campuses, too. between students.

Katie Klabusich · 12:28 AM

Yeah, I have people arguing right now that I wasn't "rape-raped" on the HuffPo comment thread b/c he was my boyfriend and I was there willingly.

Katie Klabusich · 12:28 AM

I'm apparently "insulting rape survivors." We definitely do understand coercion and consent.

Katie Klabusich · 12:28 AM

If the people you're reporting to don't get it, the federal law doesn't matter as much. They have to fundamentally "get it" in order to start the process of even helping a student.

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

**don't understand

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“hairsplitting armchair detectives insult rape survivors, not other rape survivors”

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Anastasia Scangas

“The most heart breaking statement my therapist ever told me was that it doesn't matter what actually happened, it was that my attackter took away my choice”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:29 AM

Yes. I am against this "hierarchy of violence" where there is some sort of rape pyramid

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:29 AM

rape is rape period.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:30 AM

Yes. that is so important. it's about being able to choose. not about "choice" or whether you are in a relationship or in the same room as the person.

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mag R

“RE: getting it; especially when many administrators are white men- they don't get what its like for female students or male victims of assault”

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Yeah, a lot has been made about the Louis CK bit this week. And he's right (despite his problematic moments)

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Men are the most dangerous thing on earth for women statistically.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:31 AM

Yep. And I was a black student at a predominantly white institution. I had a bunch of older white bureaucrats deciding that the violation to my black body was not serious enough to warrant any action.

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

UGH.

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

The compounding of the insult....

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:32 AM

Yes. I would say that the insttutional betrayal and neglect was way more painful than the abuse. it compounded on my trauma for sure

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:32 AM

And Dr. Herman in her book Trauma & Recovery talks about how the recognition of your pain/trauma by your community is a vital part of recovery

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:33 AM

so schools arent just supposed to do this because it's the law and the right thing to do. it also is a healthy thing for survivors.

Katie Klabusich · 12:33 AM

YES. Being acknowledged by your chosen or adopted or born into community is huge.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:33 AM

We as a society are losing if we allow men and women to be assaulted in college and not recognize what was done to them is wrong.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:34 AM

What world do we have if we tell young students raping someone isnt as serious as cheating as a test?

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

Thank you.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:34 AM

What messages are we sending to young men about how to treat women if we allow them to rape women at such high rates?

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

Tell us a little about the White House task force and the changes that should be coming/have taken place to make that a reality.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:34 AM

and sending them out into the "real world" with degrees from "elite" institutions?

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:35 AM

It's not just a personal issue, but a public health issue

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

Not the rate of assault a reality (already a reality), but the recognizing that assault is wrong and that it matters.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:35 AM

Yes. So this is great that the Obama administration has acknowledged that sexual violence is wrong. And we need to work together to fight it.

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

(Elections matter, y'all.)

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:36 AM

YES

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

I know it sounds like we're setting the bar kind a low, but just the creation of the task force made me excited.

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

OH MY GOD SOMEBODY CARES

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:37 AM

And it's sad that sexual assault is a partisan issue.

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

The last renewal of the Violence Against Women Act was filibustered. FILIBUSTERED.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:37 AM

Where we have conservatives like George WIll using scare quotes around words like "sexual assault" and "survivor"

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

(It has to be renewed regularly b/c there's funding in it and that's not automatic.)

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

Yeah, that's what made me angry.

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

You nailed what was really going on there.

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

That survivors want "coveted status" screamed white/cis/straight/rich/male privilege to me. And you took it to the next level.

Katie Klabusich · 12:39 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jeffrey Barrois

“The Will piece was unbelievable.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:39 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mag R

“There should be some sort of protection, akin to whistleblower laws, that ensure survivors don't face any harm due to their bringing allegations”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:39 AM

Right. And if being a survivor is such a coveted privileged status, why are over SIXTY SCHOOLS under investigation by the federal government for mistreating survivors?

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:40 AM

Title IX actually makes retaliation against reporting illegal.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:40 AM

actually punishing schools for that is another issue

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Stacey Dunn

“What can parents of college students do to make campuses safer?”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:41 AM

Learn about Title IX and the dynamics of sexual violence. Be supportive if your child needs time off or wants to help fight the school or even STAY at the school that failed them.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:41 AM

Also, ask questions of administrators. What do they do with reports? Do they punish rapists?

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:41 AM

students need supporters on campus just as much as they need off campus supporters

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

You can't protect your kids, but having them know that you support them and believe them is so important.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:42 AM

yes exactly.

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

And that's beyond "you can tell me anything."

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mag R

“Were there, or are there, any services, books, activities etc that you found helpful?”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:43 AM

Trauma and Recovery by Dr. Judith Herman is helpful to learn about trauma, its impact, and how to heal

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:43 AM

local rape crisis centers

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:44 AM

https://www.legalmomentum.org/ helps students who want to assert their title ix rights

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:44 AM

Also knowyoruix.org (of which I am a part) is a fabulous hub of info

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

YAS -- they know all the things.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:44 AM

oops. http://www.knowyourix.org

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“The Will piece was unfortunately all too believable...that people still think that way. The unbelievable thing is Washington Post's editorial”

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

Michael makes a really good point -- Will's thoughts on rape and assault are pervasive.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:44 AM

Yes. I agree. Having WaPo post it lends it credibility that it doesn't have

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

Another way to help your kids - OUR kids -- is to add to the conversation and cultural dialog.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:45 AM

Media is important. It shapes our perceptions about our society and the issues within it

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

YES. For sure. The HuffPo piece links to a petition to get WaPo to respond -- ultimately asking for him to be fired.

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

Our national institutions can't perpetuate rape culture and have their reputations left in tact.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:46 AM

And what expertise does Will have to write about that sort of issue?

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

Thank you.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:46 AM

WaPo majorly failed us by letting him weigh in on the issue.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:46 AM

like, no one gained anything by him saying that vile stuff

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

Rep Jackie Spier had a strong rebuttal -- but that also gives WaPo more of what they want: clicks.

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jeffrey Barrois

“Will has no expertise on the subject. He just has a platform.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

On any subject.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:47 AM

yup. we need to stop letting anyone weigh in

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:47 AM

on any issue because they have a platform.

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mag R

“And the WaPo Op-Ed editor is standing by decision to publish it- he @hiattf on twitter btw”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:47 AM

Yeah. He said he's "proud" of it

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

I just can't.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:48 AM

love that we're in a world of clicbait journalism.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:48 AM

The problem is that when this happens it isnt just wrong. it's DANGEROUS

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:48 AM

this fosters a culture that enables and EMBOLDENS rapists to keep raping.

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

For people who haven't heard of it -- Do Not Link is a great resource: http://www.donotlink.com

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

You can put a link you're talking about online into the box and it'll spit out a new one that doesn't give their page credit for the hit. GENIUS.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:49 AM

Yes it's a great workaround

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

Yes -- I consider Will's column to be filled with violent speech.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“wow thats cool”

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jeffrey Barrois

“I have not. Thanks Katie.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

When you erase survivors experiences and say that colleges shouldn't address it, that's advocating violence.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“It's also really important for men to call out rape culture among other guys. Don't let it go as "just humor" when you know it isn't. Don't let guys like Will say that kind of stuff unscathed. Hold feet to fires.”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:50 AM

Well said, Michael.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:50 AM

When we let people belittle rape or perpetuate rape myths, we are letting an unsafe culture continue.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:51 AM

the only way things will change is if we speak up. if i never spoke up about my experience at Tufts University, the students now wouldnt be where they are now in calling the administration to do their job.

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

Word.

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

That you care six years after your expected graduation date is pretty amazing.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:51 AM

Yeah. It's still a struggle.

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Mag R

“Thank you both for your advocacy!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jeffrey Barrois

“Good luck getting your tuition funded, Wegatwe.”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:52 AM

Not handling rape has very real consequences past leaving campus - while i transferred to Rutgers, I am still struggling with student debt, etc

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:52 AM

Thanks, Jeffrey!

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:53 AM

It's almost surreal that I am so close to graduating after all this time.

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

As part of her "survivor privilege," Wagatwe is saddled with hefty debt she has to pay back while still being a student.

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

And Rutgers didn't quite come through for the summer session -- so she's one class short of graduating this summer.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:53 AM

For reference, I am showing my survivor privilege of being broke. http://www.gofundme.com/a7m0sk

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:53 AM

And b being broke I mean applying for financial aid and not getting enough to finish my degree

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

If you can, give Will and his ilk the finger and help out her Go Fund Me for the final credit. :]

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:54 AM

lol :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Why not, right?! ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Anything to give Will the finger”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:55 AM

After getting kicked out I couldnt find employment, I struggled with losing autonomy over my education, and couldnt pay my private student loans, which negatively impacts me even today

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“In my blue jeans”

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jeffrey Barrois

“That pic is hilarious.”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:55 AM

it's frustrating to have this financial barrier to move on

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

Ha! I snagged that from Elizabeth Plank at Policy Mic. <3

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:56 AM

Yes, It's the little things ;-)

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

Well, I say we use George Will to get you graduated!!

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:56 AM

Yes!

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:56 AM

I support that

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

Of course, follow @Wagatwe on twitter -- and her writing at Feministing and elsewhere.

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“yeah send him the bill. tell him you are a survivor and can he help...”

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Additional unequal burdening of survivor students with economic debt (such as when schools suggest time off) should be a federal violation as well”

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:57 AM

yes and you can like my fb page at www.facebook.com/wagatwewanjuki

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

Yes!

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:57 AM

I agree, Michael

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

And we're STILL waiting for WaPo to acknowledge her hashtag and give her space to respond.

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

So feel free to tweet right at them and tell them how you feel.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:58 AM

Yes, please!

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

And tell media outlets that it isn't ok for Will to have the last word. They should have survivors on to discuss the issue.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:58 AM

Also related to #survivorprivilege is the #abuserdynamics hashtag. I recommend checking it out

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:58 AM

Yes, we should be letting peopel close to the issue talk about campus sexual violence.

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

That's how we change culture -- EVERYONE can demand media do better. And thank the outlets covering it.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:59 AM

not baseball commentators.

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“#BoycottWaPo”

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

So, thank you SO much to everyone for coming! and to Wagatwe for taking time for the chat.

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:59 AM

Thank so much for having me!

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 12:59 AM

And joining. it's been a pleasure :)

Wagatwe Wanjuki · 1:00 AM

feel free to connect with me if you have more questions on FB or twitter :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Stacey Dunn

“Thank you”

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“thanks Wagatwe for the awesome amount of info. :-)”

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“thank you!”

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Melinda Dunn

“Thank you!”

Forum · 53

Forum· 53 comments

151 visitors

Tawkers AdminJun 3, 2014, 11:00 PM

Welcome to the comment section of the Tawk, where audience members can share their thoughts about the main conversation happening on the left. Don't by shy! Entering questions and comments is the only way to get the attention of the two Hosts on stage!

Bo EssaJun 7, 2014, 8:03 PM★ Spotlighted

Hey

Jane KY Kini MaliaJun 9, 2014, 5:43 PM★ Spotlighted

helo

Jeffrey BarroisJun 12, 2014, 12:04 AM

Jeffrey BarroisJun 12, 2014, 12:05 AM★ Spotlighted

hi*

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:06 AM★ Spotlighted

hello!!!

Melinda DunnJun 12, 2014, 12:06 AM★ Spotlighted

Hello

Stacey DunnJun 12, 2014, 12:07 AM★ Spotlighted

Hello

Mag RJun 12, 2014, 12:09 AM★ Spotlighted

What can non-students who aren't even part of the school community do to change this?

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:10 AM★ Spotlighted

if its hard for women in "normal" life to come forward about rape,its gonna be doubly hard for these young girls/women to come forward.

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:11 AM★ Spotlighted

poeple need to realise there ARE folk out there that do care and will listen/talk.

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:13 AM

sometimes all you need is to talk about it. thats what i found. well at first anyways

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:14 AM★ Spotlighted

When I was a resident assistant, I was trained to encourage survivors who brought their story to my attention to go to the "authorities". Knowing what I know now, I think I would have said something during that presentation.

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:19 AM

arent schools meant to look after the kids whilst they are in school/uni? they do here in the uk. the kids are the schools responsibility

Anastasia ScangasJun 12, 2014, 12:19 AM★ Spotlighted

that was awful

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:20 AM★ Spotlighted

I guess another thing people can do is be cognizant of rape culture in general and learn what consent means to drown out voices like Will

Mag RJun 12, 2014, 12:20 AM★ Spotlighted

Are any schools looking at teaching about consent as a way to lower number of assaults? Seems that too many people (perpetrators) don't understand what rape is, and don't see their actions as wrong

Melinda DunnJun 12, 2014, 12:20 AM★ Spotlighted

During Freshman Orientation, all the students had their cards checked for an attendance-mandatory presentation on consent. It was funny, informative, and got the point across that if the other person can't/won't consent is rape.

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:20 AM★ Spotlighted

if 1 in 5 are survivors, what about the 4 in 5 that arent?

Melinda DunnJun 12, 2014, 12:21 AM★ Spotlighted

@Mag R Seattle University does this.

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:21 AM★ Spotlighted

I darkly wonder now about how much understanding of consent George Will had when HE was in college

Anastasia ScangasJun 12, 2014, 12:22 AM★ Spotlighted

I think, for some reason, people still believe constent is implicit

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:23 AM★ Spotlighted

I particularly like the book 'Yes Means Yes' for discussion on consent

Anastasia ScangasJun 12, 2014, 12:24 AM★ Spotlighted

And, the other problem is that people don't undstand what sexual assault can entail, that it isn't just, and I hate this phrase, "rape rape"

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:28 AM

i know this is old but... - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10816682/Rape-isnt-really-rape-when-it-happens-at-university.-Is-this-really-the-view-of-certain-students.html

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:28 AM

oh and then there was this. brace ya self - http://www.spiked-online.com/newsite/article/there-is-no-rape-culture-at-British-universities/14612#.U5jzaUhdWSo

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:29 AM★ Spotlighted

hairsplitting armchair detectives insult rape survivors, not other rape survivors

Anastasia ScangasJun 12, 2014, 12:29 AM★ Spotlighted

The most heart breaking statement my therapist ever told me was that it doesn't matter what actually happened, it was that my attackter took away my choice

Mag RJun 12, 2014, 12:30 AM★ Spotlighted

RE: getting it; especially when many administrators are white men- they don't get what its like for female students or male victims of assault

Jeffrey BarroisJun 12, 2014, 12:38 AM★ Spotlighted

The Will piece was unbelievable.

Stacey DunnJun 12, 2014, 12:39 AM★ Spotlighted

What can parents of college students do to make campuses safer?

Mag RJun 12, 2014, 12:39 AM★ Spotlighted

There should be some sort of protection, akin to whistleblower laws, that ensure survivors don't face any harm due to their bringing allegations

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:40 AM★ Spotlighted

The Will piece was unfortunately all too believable...that people still think that way. The unbelievable thing is Washington Post's editorial

Mag RJun 12, 2014, 12:42 AM★ Spotlighted

Were there, or are there, any services, books, activities etc that you found helpful?

Jeffrey BarroisJun 12, 2014, 12:46 AM★ Spotlighted

Will has no expertise on the subject. He just has a platform.

Mag RJun 12, 2014, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

And the WaPo Op-Ed editor is standing by decision to publish it- he @hiattf on twitter btw

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:49 AM★ Spotlighted

wow thats cool

Jeffrey BarroisJun 12, 2014, 12:49 AM★ Spotlighted

I have not. Thanks Katie.

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:49 AM★ Spotlighted

It's also really important for men to call out rape culture among other guys. Don't let it go as "just humor" when you know it isn't. Don't let guys like Will say that kind of stuff unscathed. Hold feet to fires.

Mag RJun 12, 2014, 12:51 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you both for your advocacy!

Jeffrey BarroisJun 12, 2014, 12:52 AM★ Spotlighted

Good luck getting your tuition funded, Wegatwe.

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:55 AM★ Spotlighted

Anything to give Will the finger

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:55 AM★ Spotlighted

In my blue jeans

Jeffrey BarroisJun 12, 2014, 12:55 AM★ Spotlighted

That pic is hilarious.

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:56 AM★ Spotlighted

yeah send him the bill. tell him you are a survivor and can he help...

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:56 AM★ Spotlighted

Additional unequal burdening of survivor students with economic debt (such as when schools suggest time off) should be a federal violation as well

Jeffrey BarroisJun 12, 2014, 12:58 AM

The mere concept of "survivor privilege"... it is absolutely inconceivable that someone would type that, and someone else would print that.

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 12:59 AM★ Spotlighted

#BoycottWaPo

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 12:59 AM

i only read WaPo when people like you guys posts stuff :-)

Stacey DunnJun 12, 2014, 1:00 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you

Lucy DyerJun 12, 2014, 1:00 AM★ Spotlighted

thanks Wagatwe for the awesome amount of info. :-)

Michael NamJun 12, 2014, 1:00 AM★ Spotlighted

thank you!

Melinda DunnJun 12, 2014, 1:00 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you!