Columbia University has just released updated information pertaining to sexual assault cases on campus. The report details recent developments regarding the new Gender-Based Misconduct Policy, as well as campus resources and prevention education for students, staff, and faculty. An email from Provost John Coatsworth this evening provided more detail into the report and a link to […]

“Rape shouldn’t be part of the college experience.” “Red tape won’t cover up rape.” Earlier this week, No Red Tape delivered this letter to President Bollinger, proposing further reforms to Columbia University’s most recent sexual assault policy. Today, they’re holding a “Stand With Survivors” demonstration until 3, where student and alumni survivors are sharing their […]

In a campus-wide email, Suzanne B. Goldberg (or rather, “on behalf of Suzanne B. Goldberg”), the new Special Advisor to PrezBo on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, delineated some of the specific changes at present. The lengthy email details recent resources, such as the new Lerner office for the Anti-Violence Support Center, the transformed Gender-Based […]

The Deans of Columbia College, SEAS, Barnard and GS just released an email highlighting major points of the gender-based misconduct policy as the academic year kicks into gear. It is a reminder of what constitutes gender-based misconduct and sexual assault, what the potential consequences are for perpetrators, and various related acts. Notably, the email emphasizes “the […]

As former Blue and White managing editor Anna Bahr, BC ’14, pointed out in her examination of Columbia’s policies on Gender-Based Misconduct, the NSOP program “Consent Is Sexy” was in much need of an overhaul. In light of significant changes to the program, Bwog sat down with a consent educator (who asked to remain anonymous) to […]

President Bollinger has announced Columbia University’s newest Gender-Based Misconduct Policy for Students, which can be found here. We’ll try to break down his email, which mostly mimics what was sent out a few days ago by deans, below: Goals of the policy:  “to strengthen confidence in the University’s handling of reports of sexual assault and other […]

Princeton’s newspaper, The Daily Princetonian, published a piece on a male Columbia student suing the University for unjust trial and punishment during a sexual assault investigation in Spring 2013. The student, referred to as John Doe in the suit, criticizes the University, saying that he was unfairly treated in a sexual assault case carried out by Columbia […]

No Red Tape is asking graduates to attach a piece of red tape to their graduation caps in solidarity with the ongoing struggle to improve the policies and culture around sexual assault at Columbia. Read on for their letter to graduates, and information about how to get the red tape (bolding by Bwog): To the […]

In the last week, campuses around the country have been reeling over an increased focus on sexual assault, and publications from all fronts have addressed the topic. Here at Columbia, the past seven days have featured lists of four alleged rapists in bathrooms in Hamilton, Lerner, and Butler. On the morning of May 14, according to […]

Bwog just got a tip that the same flyers with the names of alleged campus rapists are in a bathroom at Senior Cruise v2.0. We’ll update if we hear back about the list at the other senior cruise.  

Today, President Bollinger sent out an email blast with an update on what the university is doing to prevent sexual assault. Updated below. The statement comes as Columbia’s sexual assault policies have become a hot discussion topic. Recent events like the filing of Title IX complaints, a letter written by faculty in support of the complaints, […]

Columbia is on CNN again, and this time, it’s not for something funny. Remember when we spotted CNN setting up for an interview in front of Philosophy Hall? As it turns out, they were interviewing three Columbia sexual assault victims. Hear their stories:

To the members of the Columbia community: Bwog does not condone rape culture. We are firmly committed to fostering a safe community. Over the last six months, we have made coverage of sexual assault on this campus a priority in our reporting. As a news publication, we consider it our responsibility to further transparency around […]

*UPDATE 8:38pm* See an editorial statement from Bwog’s board posted tonight at 8:25pm. *UPDATE 3:38pm* Bwog would like to note that the following does not represent the opinion of the staff or the editorial board as a whole. We have removed the 2:47 update addressing the use of the word “legitimate” because, again, the piece […]

Almost 100 faculty members have signed a letter calling for Columbia University to improve its sexual assault policies. The letter supports the recent complaints filed against Columbia for its handling of sexual assault under Title IX, Title II and the Clery Act. It condemns Columbia’s response, and calls for “serious and substantial reform with strong […]