To the Editor:
Over the past several years there have been countless news stories and investigative reports highlighting the poor record that colleges and universities have when it comes to responding to sexual assault and misconduct on campus. These stories focus on huge financial settlements for complainants and paint a picture of an almost cold and uncaring academy. Rarely do we hear about the positive and excellent work being done in these areas on our campuses. I want to share a story of hope and positive impact that is taking place on my campus.
The Phoenix Center at Auraria is an office funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to respond to issues of interpersonal violence and sexual misconduct on the Auraria Campus, in Denver. The campus is home to more than 40,000 commuter students from the Community College of Denver, the Metropolitan State College of Denver, and the University of Colorado at Denver. The center has filled a big void by offering a variety of free and confidential services to students and the community in terms of response, advocacy, and education around issues of interpersonal violence. As a result of this work, two of the three student bodies on campus have already passed a new student fee to support enhancing and increasing these services. The fact that students willingly and overwhelmingly voted in favor of a new fee is telling as to the impact that the center is having.
While the impact these new services have had on students has been palpable, it is the center’s work with the three administrations that has the potential to truly change our campus climate and culture. The Phoenix Center has provided opportunities for administrators from all three institutions to attend national training sessions, workshops, and conferences on Title IX and interpersonal-violence issues. Administrators and policy makers from all three institutions are working together to create a unified policy for all students around interpersonal violence and Title IX issues.
Coordinating three administrations to agree upon and pass a unified policy is a monumental undertaking that is well on its way to becoming a reality. Not only are all institutions working toward a comprehensive and unified policy, they are also changing the way they do business in the areas of interpersonal violence and Title IX. While the campus still has work to do to become a model in this area, the steps being taken have positioned our campus to become a leader in the country on these issues in the near future. We have greatly increased our awareness and understanding as a campus because of the work of this small and dedicated staff.
The Phoenix Center at Auraria truly embodies one of my favorite quotes from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” The small staff of professionals and volunteers who make up the center has already changed the lives of dozens of students for the better.
Larry Loften
Director of Community Standards & Wellness
University of Colorado at Denver
Denver