“She was shaking inside. She didn’t hurt anymore, but what had happened inside her?…So horrible, so horrible…Charlotte felt dirty and sore.” —Tom Wolfe, I Am Charlotte Simmons (pgs. 522-523)
Tom Wolfe’s blistering satire of higher education includes a long episode of seduction that culminates in date rape. The central figure of the story, Charlotte Simmons, is shattered by the experience and only survives the vaulting cynicism of those around her through the kindness of strangers and strengths of which she was unaware. It is the most troubing satire I’ve read.
Wolfe’s novel came back to me as I read the recent article about an alleged gang-rape of a first-year student at a UVA fraternity in 2012. The behavior depicted in that article mirrors so many details in Wolfe’s novel that it constitutes a nightmarish instance of life imitating art.
In some emails, tweets, and phone calls, members of Darden’s worldwide community want to know our stand on the article—in effect, they ask, is UVA like Tom Wolfe’s cynical university?
No! UVA does not tolerate violence, including sexual violence, in any form. Rape is an abominable crime. Darden stands with the University community in our anger at the alleged actions described in the article. I write today to express my outrage, to extend my support to survivors of sexual abuse, and to encourage everyone to reflect on what each can do strengthen safety and trust in our community. As we teach, organizational excellence is defined less by the absence of bad events, and more by what the organizations do about them. Let’s set things right.
The first step is to suspend disbelief. The alleged events in the article exceed one’s grasp. UVA President Terry Sullivan has called for a criminal investigation of the attack, which will establish the facts. No matter how this investigation turns out, sexual abuse is bigger and closer than you may think. Headlines in recent years have arrested our attention with reports of sexual violence by celebrities, athletes, and institutional officials. One survey found that nearly one in five American women had been raped or experienced an attempted rape.
Second, speak up for what you value. Tell your co-workers, stakeholders, and family that sexual violence exists in many parts of the world, including our own. It can derail lives; and it is wrong. If America names the crisis, we are on the road to restoring safety and trust. Judging by public revulsion at the news reports and survey results, American society seems at last to be pivoting away from tolerance for aggressive sexual behavior. The spotlight is now on the University. This community of trust and honor must create something better. And we will.
Third, act on behalf of our values and vision for society. If you see something, say something. Be aware of how situations may veer toward abuse—then, intervene.
I encourage everyone to get educated on the topic. Share information and resources. And learn about the options and the policies. UVA Today is publishing a list of important University of Virginia messages regarding sexual assault, including the statement issued yesterday by President Sullivan. Darden students can gain insights from the Darden Office of Student Affairs and the policy document, Student Sexual Misconduct: What You Need to Know. The “For Students” section of UVA’s Sexual Misconduct Reporting Website includes an expanded list of resources: see the Staying Safe Tip Sheet. Last month, Terry Sullivan announced a campaign to encourage bystander intervention, “Not On Our Grounds.” And to support this effort, students have produced a video, Hoos Got Your Back, that involves students, faculty, staff, Corner merchants and other members of the University community.
The “For Employees” section of UVA’s Sexual Misconduct Reporting Website includes the reporting policy and FAQs. And the UVA Alumni Association has set up an online portal for UVA alumni to express their concerns, thoughts and recommendations for the University on the subject of sexual misconduct on Grounds. The Alumni Association will collect all responses and deliver them to the University.
Another practical way you can help is provided by President Sullivan. The newly proposed student sexual misconduct policy is available for review and public comment. Read the Executive Summary, then the full policy and provide candid feedback by December 5.
Lastly, I invite members of the Darden community to share their concerns and suggestions directly with me at brunerr@virginia.edu.
The thoughts and prayers of the Darden Community go out to all survivors of sexual violence—and to their caregivers. We must collectively “take back the night” of sexual misconduct, along with the indifference, cynicism, and despair that nurture it. Our Thanksgiving holiday this week lends an opportunity to reflect on what we can do—both as a community and as individuals—to strengthen UVA as an oasis for learning and a community of safety and trust. Let’s rally behind all of these efforts.