Tatiana Moore

Roughly 40 students gathered in Siemens Hall on Oct. 14 to question Cal Poly Humboldt officials about sexual violence, campus safety and the university’s response to students’ concerns.

The hour-and-a-half event began at 6 p.m. and consisted of a panel made up of university representatives.

Students shared stories of feeling unsafe on campus, struggling to get help and having to repeatedly contact university staff to get answers. Many questioned whether the university was doing enough to protect students and prevent sexual violence.

One major point of tension in the night was the university’s use of confidentiality to explain away why they could not answer campus safety concerns.

“I acknowledge you,” Title IX Coordinator David Hickcox said. “But perps have the right to due process, sorry.” Then shrugged his shoulders.

This remark was interpreted by students not only as dismissive, but patronizing to a student who had just detailed the sexual violence they had experienced while at this school.

Students pushed back, saying they weren’t asking for private case details. They wanted to know what the university was doing to prevent future hardship and protect students who already felt unsafe.

Several students described how the process of seeking help is exhausting. One student said they had to keep emailing and following up to get help. Another student said the experiences shared at the meeting reflected a bigger problem that was affecting general student mental health and academics.

Tensions grew as students and panelists spoke over one another. One student called on the audience to raise their hand if they didn’t feel protected by school administration and about every hand shot up while a student pleaded, “Look at us!” Another student called the panelists chuds before leaving the room.

Students continued to press for direct answers about campus safety, housing and Title IX. They questioned what happened when a report was made, what consequences followed confirmed violations and why students were often responsible for pushing the process forward themselves.

Panelists discussed possible housing changes, no-contact orders and campus support services. They also described prevention efforts that included training for resident advisers. Students asked how those measures helped people who were already feeling unsafe.

Late-night transportation was another concern. Students said cuts to bus services make it harder to get around campus safely. Panelists said the university was working to maintain the services. Notes from the meeting did not establish a final decision or timeline.

As the meeting neared its end and the panel wanted to wind down the conversation, a student yelled, “You should be here all night.” Not everyone had the chance to speak. Chelsey Castiglione with the Recreation and Wellness Center said they would compile student feedback and prepare a report for the University Senate. Students asked to see the notes and wanted information about when the University Senate would discuss their concerns.

For the upcoming Ssenate meeting Castiglione will be proposing a Violence Prevention Community Advisory Board made up of eight to twelve paid students. The board would give students a role in shaping prevention efforts and holding the university accountable.

The meeting gave students a chance to share their concerns but did not establish what specific changes the university would make in response.
Students left having raised questions about safety, communication and accountability. Whether those concerns lead to changes remains to be seen.