Teaching History of Sexual Aggression on Campus

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 8:00 a.m. Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Open Educational Resources for Teaching History of Higher Education (Table 10)

Abstract

Purpose
The primary objective of this OER is to investigate the historical context of sexual assault prevention on college campuses and unpack how this information can be taught in an ethical, trauma-informed, and critical manner. This OER draws on over two dozen cases with corresponding primary documents from the mid-twentieth century. By learning how historical responses to sexual violence shape contemporary beliefs and policies, this resource seeks to equip students and educators with the tools to critically analyze sensitive and complex issues, thereby fostering a more informed and just approach to educational practice.

Perspectives
This OER is framed within the context of historical inquiry and critical pedagogy. Historians are fond of pointing out that “history informs the present,” which is especially apt when thinking about the legacy of campus sexual violence. For example, trends in blaming women for their victimization continue today and are evident in newspaper accounts of campus sexual aggression cases in the 1940s -1960s. This OER addresses the long-lasting impacts of violence against women from a pro-feminist lens and demonstrates how gender roles endorsed harmful notions of masculinity throughout time. Additionally, the resource addresses the complicated intersectional role that race has played in sexual aggression cases over time.

Methods and Source Material
This project is guided by qualitative historical research methodologies, including the analysis of primary sources such as archival documents, newspaper articles, and university reports. The OER highlights three specific cases of sexual violence occurring at the University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Michigan, and University of Detroit. Primary data sources referenced in this session includes archival documents from multiple university archives, including policy documents, meetings minutes, and internal reports. These primary documents are organized on a website that can be shared with students interested in learning more about the topic.

Results and Significance
While efforts to prevent sexual assault on campuses have evolved significantly, many contemporary challenges have deep historical roots. Sexual assault should not be considered a “new” issue; in fact, anti-rape prevention efforts are over 50 years old. This OER demonstrates how silence amongst victims and survivors was manufactured through victim-blaming, stigma of one’s victimization, and a lack of accountability for perpetrators. Additionally, the University of Colarado at Boulder case demonstrates how invasive and unethical newspaper reporting created obstacles to identifying the student’s attacker. In keeping with the conference theme, instructors can use this teaching resource to promote educational renewal by emphasizing the importance of historical understanding in addressing contemporary challenges. This approach is especially relevant when dealing with sensitive and traumatic topics, such as sexual aggression cases.

Author

• Mark E. Houlemarde, Loyola Marymount University