Almost three weeks ago, a student accused a Tulane University Police Department officer of assault and rape. Rumors began circulating almost immediately, and since then, the Hullabaloo has contacted TUPD and other university officials on a number of occasions. No one would comment, and a number simply refused to take phone calls.
After three weeks, the rumors have taken on a life of their own. By refusing to talk about the event when directly confronted, TUPD and the Tulane administration have done more harm than good.
Students, after hearing embellished stories of an officer tasering and raping a student, are much less likely to call TUPD the next time they have a problem. The department's silence has diminished student confidence.
TUPD's ability to ensure campus safety is hampered if students do not trust in its officers to do their jobs correctly and honestly. As it stands now, there is no oversight to check TUPD's penchant for secrecy.
TUPD officers are commissioned by the state; they have full arrest powers; they carry guns. They have all the power of a public agency, but none of the responsibility. They refused to answer the Hullabaloo's questions and consistently limit access to their reports - a violation of ethical and legal requirements.
Admittedly, TUPD sends out e-mails to the entire Tulane community when they consider a crime an "ongoing threat." They should be commended for furthering awareness. However, the "ongoing threat" strategy does not allow students to form a complete picture of campus safety. Without this extra and vital information, students cannot adjust their behavior and take appropriate precautions to match existing risks.
Sexual assaults are high on the list of crimes that fall below the reporting radar. This is not the first time a student has accused TUPD of being less than vigorous in pursuing charges of sexual assault, and it is commonly accepted that when these crimes do occur, no one will ever hear about it. They may not be sweeping this under the rug, but it certainly looks like they are.
Given the Tulane administration's response to this and other incidents, it is valid to wonder whether TUPD is here to protect students' safety or the university's image. In a violent post-Katrina New Orleans, this question is all the more relevant.
It is sadly ironic that this year is the Newcomb Institute's campaign to destroy the culture of rape on campus. TUPD's silence is maintaining the problem and reinforces the stigma attached to these crimes. When everyone refuses to talk about it, how are students supposed to feel comfortable reporting a rape?
In no uncertain terms, the Hullabaloo condemns the Tulane administration's silence.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Grant Gillham
posted 10/19/07 @ 8:23 PM CST
Sorta like Ray Boudreaux. Sweep it under the rug and maybe it will just go away eh?
Susan Cole
posted 10/19/07 @ 9:41 PM CST
As the parent of a freshman, I find the administration's silence appalling. Good job, and keep after them.
Brigitte DeMoss
posted 2/14/08 @ 1:41 PM CST
I know a girl who was planning to attend Tulane this fall, but her parents have forbidden her to go because of the rumors about rapes that have occurred on the Tulane campus. (Continued…)
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