As a Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Investigator, I’ve spent years navigating the challenging and often delicate terrain of sexual misconduct cases on college campuses. One of the most important takeaways from this work is the crucial role consent education plays in creating safer, more respectful environments. The conversations we have around consent—especially with students entering college—are not just about compliance with federal regulations. They are about fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and understanding that extends well beyond the classroom.
As a speaker at the Delta Chi National Convention, I had the honor of discussing critical topics with students from all over the country. My presentation, titled “Class Act: The Real Men of Delta Chi,” emphasized the importance of personal character and the need to hold ourselves and others to a higher standard. While many universities are making strides in providing consent education, it’s evident that there is still much work to be done to ensure that students genuinely grasp the concept of consent and its significance. Ultimately, the character of an individual is one of the most telling indicators of their potential, and fostering this understanding is essential in creating a respectful and informed community.
Understanding Consent: More Than Just “Yes” or “No”
At its core, consent is simple: it’s the clear, enthusiastic, and mutual agreement to engage in any form of sexual activity. However, the reality of how consent plays out in social and sexual interactions can be far more complex. It’s important to emphasize that consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific (often referred to by the acronym “FRIES”).
Consent isn’t just a checkbox—it’s an ongoing dialogue that can be withdrawn at any time. This means that individuals have the right to change their mind, even if they initially agreed. Consent must also be informed, meaning both parties have a clear understanding of what they are agreeing to. Enthusiasm is key too—just because someone isn’t saying “no” doesn’t mean they are enthusiastically saying “yes.” Lastly, consent is specific to the act being performed; just because someone consents to one activity doesn’t mean they are consenting to all activities.
For many students, college is their first time navigating intimate relationships without the direct oversight of parents or guardians. Without clear education on what consent truly means, students may find themselves in situations where they are unsure of how to proceed, or worse, where they unknowingly engage in behavior that violates someone else’s autonomy.
The Role of Universities in Consent Education
Universities have a responsibility to provide comprehensive and accessible consent education to all students. This isn’t just about following Title IX mandates or meeting compliance standards—it’s about ensuring the well-being of students and preventing incidents of sexual misconduct.
Effective consent education programs must be multi-faceted and start early. Ideally, students should receive some level of consent education before they even step foot on campus. However, once students are enrolled, universities need to ensure that the conversation continues, especially during their first year when they are most vulnerable.
Consent education should be woven into orientation programs, included in student handbooks, and offered through ongoing workshops and seminars. It’s also important that this education isn’t a one-time thing—it should be reinforced throughout a student’s time on campus, evolving as their experiences and understanding of relationships grow.
How to Implement Effective Consent Programs
In my experience, the most effective consent education programs are those that engage students directly, providing them with real-life scenarios to think through. Passive learning—like reading a pamphlet or watching a video—can only go so far. Students need opportunities to actively engage with the material, ask questions, and discuss their concerns.
At every institution where I’ve worked, I have created and presented in-person training sessions to foster interactive and engaging dialogue. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with student-athletes, Greek-life members, and various student clubs and organizations. The feedback from these presentations has been overwhelmingly positive across the board. The benefit of in-person sessions is that students understand the information better because of the dialogue and the ability to ask questions in real time. They also get to see who I am, which helps me come across as approachable, fostering a safe space for discussions about Title IX cases. I’ve even had students approach me both on and off campus to express their gratitude for the presentations, highlighting the impact of these interactions on their understanding and comfort with the material.
Additionally, incorporating role-playing exercises and scenario-based discussions can further help students think critically about situations they might encounter. These interactive approaches encourage them to reflect on how they would respond in different circumstances, fostering a deeper understanding of what consent looks like in practice.
Another crucial aspect is to ensure that consent education is inclusive. It should take into account diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds. Ensuring that the language and examples used are relevant to all students helps create an environment where everyone feels respected and included in the conversation.
Beyond Compliance: Building a Culture of Respect
One of the key messages I conveyed during my talk at the Delta Chi National Convention is that consent education goes beyond merely preventing legal or disciplinary issues. It’s fundamentally about fostering a culture of respect and responsibility that permeates all aspects of life.
When students truly understand and practice consent, they are not only steering clear of harmful situations—they are actively contributing to a community where mutual respect becomes the standard. Transforming a campus culture doesn’t happen overnight, but it begins with early education and the consistent reinforcement of consent principles at every opportunity.
Moreover, it’s crucial to recognize that consent education involves more than just individual actions; it’s about cultivating a broader community that holds each member accountable. Students should feel empowered to intervene when they witness situations that seem inappropriate or unsafe. This concept, known as “bystander intervention,” is a vital element of consent education. It encourages students to look out for one another and to ensure that their campus remains a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
In my discussions, I also emphasize the “3 D’s of Bystander Intervention”: Direct, Delegate, and Distract.
– Direct: This involves approaching the individual creating a hostile environment and directly telling them to stop.
– Delegate: In situations where a student might feel uncomfortable intervening themselves, they can seek assistance from someone in authority—like a team leader or another figure who can take charge of the situation.
– Distract: This strategy entails distracting the person who is harassing someone, allowing the affected individual to safely exit the situation without confrontation.
By incorporating these strategies, we can empower students to play an active role in maintaining a culture of respect and support on campus, ensuring that everyone feels valued and safe.
The Long-Term Impact of Consent Education
The lessons students learn about consent during college will carry over into their personal and professional lives long after they graduate. Teaching students about consent is teaching them about communication, boundaries, and respect—skills that are essential in any relationship, whether it’s romantic, platonic, or professional.
For universities, investing in comprehensive consent education programs is an investment in the future success and well-being of their students. When students leave college with a strong understanding of consent and respect, they are better equipped to navigate the complexities of adult relationships and contribute positively to society.
Consent education on college campuses is about more than just compliance with federal law—it’s about fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and empathy. As someone who has worked in this field for many years, I’ve seen the difference that effective consent education can make. When students are educated about consent, they are more likely to engage in healthy, respectful relationships and contribute to a safer, more inclusive campus community. It’s our responsibility, as educators and administrators, to ensure that every student has access to the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their college experience with confidence and respect.