In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower: The Role of Collegiate Culture on Sexual Assault and Consent Policy
Open Access
Author:
Terragnoli, Adam Louis
Area of Honors:
Political Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Marie Hojnacki, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Gretchen G Casper, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Sexual Assault Affirmative Consent Higher Education Collegiate Culture
Abstract:
This thesis explores the topics of sexual assault and consent policy on college campuses. There is variation across institutions of higher education (IHE) in the United States, in both sexual assault rates and sexual assault policy. The variation in sexual assault rates is examined through a quantitative analysis controlling for variables indicative of collegiate culture. This analysis is accomplished by creating a large dataset that is unique when compared to the literature on this topic. Results show that party culture, football culture, and Greek culture all have effects on sexual assault rates. Variation in sexual assault policy is most appropriately explained through an examination of variables that lead to policy change. Through a qualitative analysis utilizing a case study of select IHEs, this paper examines variation in the adoption of affirmative consent policy. This analysis examines the role of student activism and student interest groups and their effect on policy change. The results show that both of these variables are likely to cause IHEs to codify affirmative consent standards into their policy.
