Abstract:

Given the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses in the U.S., universities have a 
responsibility to eliminate hostile environments, prevent harassment, and protect students. Title IX policies, as interpreted by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, regulate this responsibility. However, these policies simply mandate that colleges investigate and prevent sexual violence and provide limited guidance on specific institutional procedures and measures. Acknowledging Harvard College’s insidious rape culture, this project examines Harvard’s Title IX policies and procedures. Through expert interviews with Title IX coordinators and interviews with Harvard students, this paper outlines a set of recommendations for how Harvard can more effectively eliminate a hostile campus environment, prevent sexual assault, and mitigation the effects of sexual misconduct. I find that existing resources are primarily reactive rather than preventative, and survivors face several barriers in attempting to navigate support measures.