News/Blog

EmilyTest statement regarding Cornell University

The news emerging from Cornell University is deeply disturbing, and the response to Jane Doe’s case raises serious questions about how educational institutions prevent, respond to and support students subjected to sexual violence.

At EmilyTest, we know that preventing gender-based violence (GBV) in education requires action at every level. Institutions have a responsibility to create environments where GBV, including sexual violence, is never condoned or minimised, where disclosures are met with appropriate and compassionate intervention, and where victim/survivors are listened to, believed and supported.

Prevention also means challenging the damaging attitudes and cultures that enable GBV to occur in the first place - including attitudes of entitlement, power and objectification that can lead perpetrators to believe they can do what they want without consequence. But creating safer educational environments also requires institutions to respond appropriately when harm does occur, to recognise the seriousness of GBV and the lifelong impact on the victim/survivor.

As a result, sanctions must never minimise or dismiss the gravity of the harm caused. Doing so risks reinforcing a culture of misogyny and sends a dangerous message to the wider community that such behaviour will be tolerated, potentially further empowering dangerous attitudes and behaviours.

We must therefore question how a letter of apology could be considered an appropriate sanction in relation to such an abhorrent crime, and what message this sends to the victim/survivor and the wider university community. No institutional response should leave someone feeling that their safety, dignity or voice is secondary to protecting the institution or its reputation.

We are thinking of Jane Doe, her family and friends, and everyone affected by this case. We stand with you in challenging cultures of misogyny, entitlement and the objectification of women.

If you have been affected by the news coming out of Cornell, please know there is support available to you. A list of available resources can be found on our website here.