Reported cases of sexual assault have risen over the last three years. We hope this is due to an increased use of advocate resources rather than an increase in crime. Either way, we're not sure it matters.
That this is even an issue on our campus is deplorable, to say the least.
As members of such a small community, we are, in many ways, bound by a taut wire. When any member violates that bond, we are all pulled down.
Yet the saddening trend in sexual assault isn't the only violation we've seen.
Recently, demeaning and often homophobic slurs have permeated campus conversation. T-shirts, residence hall doors and other elements of our home away from home have been marked with malicious hate speech.
Each year, Monon jokes straddle the line between competitive and inappropriate. And student-produced T-shirts often best reflect that rocky territory.
While this year's raunchy version isn't the first homophobic phrase to go too far, it did cross a new line of disrespect.
These slurs were noticed not only by administration, who confiscated the T-shirts, but by disappointed alumni. As we head into Old Gold weekend, these transgressions cast an oppressive shadow over a weekend intent on campus unity.
We are disgusted by the actions of those students who feel it's acceptable to tear down and alienate their peers and neighbors. It is embarrassing to be associated with students who not only deliberately tear down their peers, but defend their actions and believe they are OK.
Still, for each negative slur, there are moments that serve a positive purpose and combat those despicable actions of our fellow students.
Omega Phi Beta sorority, Inc.'s "Take Back the Night" empowered women and men alike to take action against physical and verbal abuse, intimate relationship crimes, sexual assault and rape. The organization also sponsored "To Write Love on Her Arms" for a day in which students wrote positive messages on their arms in support of those suffering from addiction and depression.
The showing of community and support we saw Wednesday night makes us proud.
These events need to happen more often.
The spike in sexual violence and hate speech should serve as nothing less than a battle cry to all on this campus who are rightly opposed to it.
Let us now take up that cause and fight for all members of the DePauw community.