DAVIDSON, NC — Davidson College is ramping up efforts to keep students safe.
Three sexual assaults have been reported in less than a month. It’s a serious issue rocking the quiet campus.
“I mean, it’s a little unsettling of course,” says Davidson College freshman Emma Granowsky. “Especially because it seems like these things are happening a lot.”
Davidson College has issued three warning emails in the last three weeks, responding to reports of sexual assaults on campus.
The emails are a new element this year in the school’s campus security policy.
“Our last email we got had some bullet points about things to do,” says Granowsky. “Stay with your friends. Just kind of basic guidelines how to keep yourself safe.”
Davidson has been reviewing its sexual misconduct policy following criticism from students. They marched across campus in May to bring attention to the issue.
The school is rolling out a new prevention program that pairs staff and students to get the word out about sex assaults.
“We try and work with them from the very beginning,” says Davidson College Police Chief Todd Sigler. “When they come in we talk about it at orientation. They get a lot of programming provided to them that talks about ways to keep themselves safe, ways to get assistance.”
“I think it shows a good response by the college just to try and react to some of the things that are going on,” says Granowsky. “I’m not particularly sure how strong student participation in these new programs are going to be, but I know that the information is being put out there.”
Davidson College police are investigating the assaults. Some students are concerned that local police are not brought in right away.
“The college has its own process for handling these, and the individuals also have the opportunity to use the criminal justice process if they want to do that as well,” says Chief Sigler.
The Davidson College Police Chief tells WCCB Charlotte the three incidents are not related, and the victim knew the alleged perpetrator in each case.
