Safety report shows rising on-campus crime

The Annual Crime and Fire Safety report, published by CSB+SJU this month, showed increased reports of serious offenses on both campuses, prompting concern and revealing a shift in students’ attitudes about the importance of reporting such offenses.

The report, which details offenses reported between 2019 and 2021, saw numbers raise for many infractions, including rape, fondling, dating violence and drug and alcohol violations. With this increase in reports, concern for student safety and well-being is a primary focus for both students and administration. Several prevention programs aimed at reducing sexual assault and increasing safety have been implemented across both campuses. These include training on consent and prevention, RA/CA training on Title IX and supporting survivors, SJU sexual violence athlete prevention training and the BEST Party curriculum.

A main focus for the institution is the involvement of Johnnie students in sexual assault awareness and training. In addition to the training offered and implemented this year, feedback and recommendations will also be considered based on the results of several focus groups conducted by CSB+SJU through Men as Peacemakers. Students from both campuses provided feedback on campus party environments, sexual assault prevention and gender dynamics. The interviews provided information on common perceptions and beliefs of students and led to several suggestions for improvement. These include fostering a culture of responsibility and connection, providing alternative events to parties, increasing transparency around sexual violence and providing resources and education.

Additionally, there are several resources available to students and survivors of sexual assault. Project EMBRACE, launched at CSB+SJU in the fall of 2021, is a grant awarded to the school through the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice. Project EMBRACE advocates safe and respectful relationships and provides education and resources for survivors, such as setting boundaries, therapy, safety planning and navigating intimacy after assault.

CERTS, a student-led campus group, has also been hard at work to provide resources and promote prevention. CERTS has led over 20 Bystander Intervention Training programs in the last year and hosted events such as Healing Through Art and Central Minnesota’s Take Back the Night march and rally. While it cannot be determined if one specific factor has contributed to the increase in reports this past year, the events and subsequent protest of the events transpiring after reports of misconduct in Patrick Hall last October reinvigorated discussion on the prevalence of sexual assault and rape culture on campus. Many students were shocked and appalled by the actions that took place.

Since this time, student groups and administration alike have dedicated serious efforts to create a safe environment for students. The President’s Advisory Council, comprised of 23 students, staff and faculty, formed in the fall of 2021 to discuss sexual misconduct, gender equity and safety. The council identified both strengths and gaps in the institution relating to sexual misconduct, belonging, facilities and programming, among other things. Key recommendations include “[better communication and demonstration of] commitment to addressing sexual misconduct,” greater opportunity and emphasis on student training and programming, facility and policy changes and evaluation of gender separation. Though the increase in reports is by no means a positive development, the implications of the increase may indicate progress in CSB+SJU’s efforts to provide resources and build a safe space.

“Though I am not able to be 100% certain on why reports have increased, I can say in my professional experience, when awareness and education efforts increase, reports tend to also increase,” Project EMBRACE grant director Dani Lindner said via email.

If you have been affected by sexual assault and need resources or would like to make a report, resources are available on the Project EMBRACE and the Title IX websites at csbsju.edu.