Reports suggest five to seven percent of women on American college campuses report rape or attempted rape. Recently, many states and colleges have structured anti-assault/rape initiative programs. We should applaud these proactive attempts to protect students most vulnerable to such victimization.
Rather than pretend to be knowledgeable about any of the proposed initiatives, instead, I would wonder aloud if the powers that be ever consider a 'flashback.' Where were we on this matter years ago and how did we arrive at this juncture?
Years ago, America's college campuses did NOT offer coed dorms. Years ago, curfews for college women and mens' dorms was strictly enforced. Years ago, alcohol was not permitted on campus property. Years ago, you never heard of one female vacating the dorm, thus allowing her roommate to 'shack-up' with visiting boyfriend. Consequences for violators could be dire and embarrassing.
It would appear that every time our society dumbs down accountability, we create serious problems. The accountability dumb down begins in the home. I recall in the late 1980's serving as a high school athletic director. I intercepted several written communications from parents who were detailing the 'post homecoming party rules.' There WOULD BE alcohol at the party therefore students must agree to surrendering auto keys and staying the night. Never mind that the parents were assisting minors in law breaking criminal behavior. Ignore the fact that many of these students and parents co-signed extra-curricular 'no alcohol pledges.'
Parents began enabling bad and potentially destructive behavior instead of parenting and insisting on proper behavior...it all started unraveling when parents stopped using the following phrase:
"No!" "Because I said so!"
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