NASHVILLE, Tenn. <\/p>\n
This week marks four years since a high-profile sexual assault on an unconscious woman in a dorm at Vanderbilt University. <\/p>\n
Four men were accused in the case. Brandon Banks' case is the third one to go to trial. Two have already stood trial for their roles in the assault. <\/p>\n
Vanderbilt said it's made great strides to improve the culture of reporting and preventing sexual assault on campus since then. Students agree. <\/p>\n
Approach any student on Vanderbilt's campus four years later, and they've heard about the case. <\/p>\n
\"My grade, we were applying to college when it was going on,\" Vanderbilt Senior Michael Nwauche said. \"I think most people know about it.\" <\/p>\n
\"What happened all these years ago was so unfortunate,\" Vanderbilt Sophomore May said. \"I think our university has grown and changed so much for it, and I feel proud now. I feel proud to represent that.\" <\/p>\n
Students said it's made the school a safer place, thanks to an expanded Project Safe Program, bystander intervention education, and an online sexual assault training module for all new students. <\/p>\n
One area that they feel needs improvement would be how students are notified when sexual assaults are reported. <\/p>\n
Right now, an email goes out explaining where and when the incident occurred. They feel it's too generic. <\/p>\n
\"It's a little impersonal, and I don't know if it's causing a change,\" Vanderbilt Senior Jimmie Sanders. \"I think it's just getting people used to it. It makes it just an everyday thing, which it shouldn't be.\" <\/p>\n
\"I don't think 'brush it off' is the right term, but it is just a stock email,\" Vanderbilt Senior Kelsey Clinton said. \"There really is no personal aspect to it.\" <\/p>\n
Vanderbilt University declined a request for an interview, but provided the following statement: <\/p>\n
The tragic sexual assault that occurred on our campus four years ago was a critical moment for our university. The incident raised additional awareness of and dialogue around the issue of sexual violence, and caused us to reflect on who we are as a campus community and to consider what additional actions we could take to promote a culture of respect, civility and decency. Continuously strengthened efforts to prevent sexual assault, provide support for victims, and enhance the safety and security of our campus are ongoing. <\/p>\n
All incoming first-year, transfer, graduate, and professional students are required to complete an interactive online educational module on preventing sexual violence that also introduces students to Vanderbilt policy and Tennessee state law, on and off-campus resources, and law enforcement and university reporting options. Sexual assault prevention is addressed during the week-long orientation activities for first-year students. Our Project Safe Center for Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Support was expanded from a longstanding program at our Womens Center to a free-standing center with increased staffing and resources. Building on our bystander intervention education efforts that began in 2009, bystander intervention training is offered to the campus community throughout the year. The Project Safe Center also offers a dating violence awareness-raising and prevention program, as well as programs on understanding effective consent, supporting survivors, setting boundaries, and maintaining healthy relationships. <\/p>\n
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Students recognize progress by Vanderbilt four years after high-profile assault - WZTV<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NASHVILLE, Tenn. Continue reading