The closing of the advocacy center is part of the White House Task Force on Sexual Assault. The plan was initiated to start cracking down on universities, making them set up resources for sexual assault victims in college. These resources included plans and guidelines for identifying, preventing and responding to sexual assault situations.

Kent’s response is “Given recent guidance from the federal government, I have asked that

necessary changes be implemented over the course of the summer to ensure that we are in

compliance with best practices in this area” In doing so, Kent closed down the advocacy center, and relocated sexual assault services to the counseling center. Many students do not feel as though this was the right course of action. It seems as though Kent has misread the White House plan, and is thinking that any sexual assault that occurs on campus is now the responsibility of the university. Before, students were able to get the help and support from non-professionals and students just like them at the counseling center, without having to submit a case and make anything public. Now, in order to get support they have to talk to counselors who in turn make a report for students that follows them every time they go to a hospital, doctor or counseling.

While everything remains confidential (meaning not shared with anyone except for professional, licensed doctors) , every time a person goes to a doctor this situation is brought up. This can make counseling very difficult to deal with.

The closing of the advocacy center seems like a “cover the university’s ass” policy. With the counseling center dealing with sexual assault cases, the university has done everything that is required by federal law to protect them in the face of the public and law. This sounds very much like the zero-tolerance policies and the “No Child Left Behind Act”. In writing, these policies sound like a very useful instrument in the progression of students. However, when you look case by case, these policies do not work effectively for the benefit of students. Same as the closing of the advocacy center. These policies do not work for the benefit of the students, but for the benefit of the government and universities, and protecting themselves.

The White House Task Force on Sexual Assault was enacted to protect students, and is still a great idea for universities and colleges nationwide. In fact, it states that advocacy centers can now be improved upon, as maintaining confidentiality is now protected. However, by creating guidelines, universities and colleges can now do the bare minimum in dealing with sexual assault, and not deal with any heat.

Last year, in terms of sexual assault resources, Syracuse was probably one of the top universities. They had the counseling center, Vera House and the advocacy center. The Vera House is barely used by Syracuse students, but connections are being made. This leaves the counseling center as the main resource for victims.

Dealing with the counseling center is nothing short of a hassle. Unless you intent to injure yourself or others, no immediate help is available. In order to get help, you first call the center. They then set up a phone call appointment a day or two after. The phone call consists of them finding out who you are, your history, what your problems are and what help you need. After this they set up an in-person appointment, and due to it being the only counseling place on campus, the appointment is usually a week later, and depending on your class schedule, it can be even later. During your first appointment, all you do is talk about yourself, your history and your problems. No counseling or help is actually given. They set up another appointment a week or two later and then start to help.

With the closing of the advocacy center, this is going to create even further delays. As far as I know, no addition of staff has been put it in place. I have also emailed them with no response. This cluster fuck is now not only affecting sexual assault victims, but people with mental disorders as well.

Yes, the counseling center now fulfills the law requirements set forth by the federal government. Syracuse University has their asses covered in case of any lawsuits that come there way. However, even with this in place, it is still not enough for the student body here. The White House Task Force on Sexual Assault was put in place to set a bare minimum of resources for every university and college. At some schools, the bare minimum is enough. But as we see time and time again, the bare minimum does not suit the needs of students at Syracuse.

A main reason why the advocacy center was closed was based on confidentiality issues. Before, the advocacy center was not liable to keep everything confidential. They used this reason to close it. However, when reading the White House Task Force on Sexual Assault, you will find that advocacy centers are now liable for complete confidentiality.

As far as I know, the combination of the counseling center, the advocacy center and the Department of Public Safety has been enough for most cases. The Syracuse Police can also be involved if that is necessary. Outside of this, I have not heard of anything failing any students. Getting rid of a resource that has been so beneficial to victims is a crime. Victims sometimes don’t want to be in a professional setting talking to a counselor who reads everything out of a book. Sometimes they want people who know what they have been through, and can help through experience.

A main reason why the advocacy center was closed was based on confidentiality issues. Before, the advocacy center was not liable to keep everything confidential. They used this reason to close it. However, when reading the White House Task Force on Sexual Assault, you will find that advocacy centers are now liable for complete confidentiality.

Why are students mad?

Just like all decisions that Kent is making, the decision was rash and students were not consulted. The advocacy center was a safe haven where students could gather, talk and heal. The counseling center does not provide these commodities. There are no groups to talk to, there are survivors to talk. All there is is a place to go over the options in what to do. Their safe haven is gone.

Under the new laws put forth, the advocacy center was protected. Syracuse University was not threatened. In fact, they were commended. Not only did the university meet the bare minimum, they exceeded the laws completely.

With the movements in place, and all the talk about sexual assault, it seemed like the university was making great progress. But with the advocacy center being shut down, it sets them back. Way back. Syracuse University needs to have a meeting with students addressing the issues, and coming to a conclusion that benefits everyone. Until then, Kent will stay hidden for as long as possible, trying to avoid students as much as possible in order to reach “his mission”.