Queer Experiences of Sexual Violence on American College Campuses and Title IX: An Ethnographic Social Justice Project
Kacey Long | September 23 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM | Room 3020
Title IX legislation dictates how universities in the U.S. investigate and respond to campus sexual violence. Low reporting rates of sexual violence occur within all demographics; however, oppressed identities often reflect the lowest reporting rates. The LGBTQ-identified community actually experience sexual violence at higher rates than heterosexual-identified persons on American college campuses, but have additional barriers when reporting. Twenty-four percent of Transgender, Genderqueer or gender non-conforming, Questioning, or Not listed (TGQN) undergraduates report nonconsensual sexual contact on college campuses. Sixty percent of gays and lesbians report being sexually harassed compared to 45.8% of heterosexuals. Qualitative research methods were used to understand the intersectionality of oppressions related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and public policy, particularly the relationship between Title IX on college campuses and LGBTQ/minority students. The aim is to better understand LGBTQ-identified people who experience(d) a form of sexual violence on a college campus and how their intersectional identities (race, class, gender, ability) impact(ed) their agency when reporting to legal or campus authorities. Whether resources (emotional, mental, physical, legal) were used by students was examined. An ethnographic, feminist methodology was used to inquire how Title IX is understood by minority/LGBTQ-identified students and how Title IX impacted students seeking support in the American academy.
Presentation Objectives:
· To discuss the impacts of Title IX and policy on minority populations at American universities.
· To raise awareness of social justice issues affecting LGBTQ students.
To engage with service providers and faculty within the academy to discuss how they can work with students and create progressive policy change on campuses.