The Observer, April 14, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 24
Free Speech Zone: Elimination of Sex Signals session dangerous
To the Editor:
For those first-years reading this, I'm sure you remember Sex Signals, the second-highest-rated session of orientation, one that tackled a number of important issues that we face on a college campus. For those of you who may not have had the opportunity to experience Sex Signals, let me explain.
Sex Signals is a two-person show that combines improvisational comedy, education, and audience participation to look at the issues of dating, sex, and acquaintance rape on college campuses by exploring how mixed messages, gender role stereotypes, and unrealistic fantasies contribute to misunderstandings between the sexes
(www.catharsisproductions.com).
Though it does not always seem true, the rape policy at Case (and many other universities) is skewed in such a way that the numbers do not reflect reality; sexual aggression and date rape are genuine problems on any college campus (the Case rape policy can be found at www.case.edu/finadmin/security/reports/secu2005/report.htm along with official statistics of sexual offenses). Because of this fact, it was a triumphant moment when Sex Signals became a mandatory part of First-Year Student Orientation. Its effectiveness and appreciation can be measured by the discussions that were provoked and the reputation that has preceded the show.
However, Sex Signals, and the opportunity to address these important issues with students before they begin the true college experience, is not a priority for those planning summer orientation. Instead of having a program that deals primarily with a subject that could take years to study, sexual assault and rape are being lumped in with the equally important topic of Diversity/Tolerance (something that needs its own increased emphasis).
The official argument against utilizing a program such as Sex Signals is simply financial problems. However, conversations I've had with campus administrators concerning sexual assault on campus lead me to believe that the problem extends dangerously close to an ideology that sexual assault is not a problem on this campus. This is simply not true
Only three incidences of forcible sex offenses were recorded between 2002 and 2004, and there are no records of nonforcible sex offenses, the most common sexual offence on college campuses. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics and Johnson and Sigler, "about half of college men have engaged in some form of sexual aggression on a date and between one-fourth and one-half of college women report being sexually victimized." The very idea that these are not issues demonstrates that many crimes go unreported; it also exemplifies the need of those in power at Case to adjust their perspectives. The choice to leave Sex Signals out of summer orientation marginalizes a problem we already face, one that affects the lives of many (the enrollment of female students at Case totals 4404). The problem is a lack of awareness and understanding of the situation's importance and validity. Only with programs such as Sex Signals, and with groups such as the Sexual Assault Task Force, can positive change take place.
I urge you to think about this and voice your opinions loudly, especially to those that will be and are directly involved in the planning and execution of orientation. More information and contact info can be found on the orientation website (http://studentaffairs.case.edu/orientation/about/).
Joshua Gohlike
Undergraduate Student
