A Response To The Student Offended By Sexual Consent Workshops | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

A Response To The Student Offended By Sexual Consent Workshops

Sexual consent workshops are not offensive.

22
A Response To The Student Offended By Sexual Consent Workshops
The Tab

A student at the University of Warwick in the UK, George Lawlor, took offense to the fact that he was invited to a workshop on sexual consent. In his words:

“It implies I have an insufficient understanding of what does and does not constitute consent and that’s incredibly hurtful. I can’t stress that enough.”

He went further and added:

"I don’t have to be taught to not be a rapist. That much comes naturally to me, as I am sure it does to the overwhelming majority of people you and I know. Brand me a bigot, a misogynist, a rape apologist, I don’t care. I stand by that.”

I guess I could take his word that he understands how consent works, but then again, how can anyone know that for certain? Being invited to this workshop does not imply that you're a rapist, not when sexual violence on college campuses is a serious problem, so it's pretty ridiculous to take offense to this invitation. Only recently have people been giving attention to the problem of sexual violence on campuses, and it happens often enough that it makes sense to invite students to participate in these workshops. Here are the statistics about sexual violence on college campuses in the United States from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center:

- One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college.

- More than 90 percent of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault.

- 63.3 percent of men at one university who self-reported acts qualifying as rape or attempted rape admitted to committing repeat rapes.

These statistics reflect the situation in the United States, but sexual violence on college campuses is also a serious problem in the UK. This something that every student, regardless of their sex or gender, needs to know about and understand. I think it's commendable for students at a university to offer such a workshop, but if they are going to do so I think it would be better if they tried to get the university itself involved in facilitating and endorsing these workshops, and making sure that every student is indiscriminately invited as a part of the university's campus life. I believe students would also be less likely to challenge such workshops if they were endorsed by the university administration, and taught by selected and trained instructors rather than by "self-appointed teachers" (as Lawlor puts it) from the student body.

I'm glad that at Haverford we cover sexual violence as well as other important issues that affect college campuses in this manner for every freshman hall, with workshops conducted by customs teams selected through an application process as a function of campus life. Every freshman is indiscriminately implored to engage in these workshops, and that creates a safer and more comfortable environment to discuss these issues. Specifically in the case of sexual violence, it helps to make sure that every student at Haverford understands how consent works. I think Warwick University should try a similar approach, and that way cases like this where students are insulted by being invited to these workshops by those who are simply other students can be avoided.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17054
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7319
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5376
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4685
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments