Reports Of USC's Sexual Assault And Alcohol Abuse Remain High
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(Students protesting last year/Neon Tommy)
In a civil suit, a slew of victims accused their universities, including USC, of downplaying the severity of their cases and not taking action. In response, the universities recently announced stepped-up efforts to oversee sexual assault accusations and educate students. Critics denounce such new policies as "misguided," shallow, and ignoring the core issue: Law enforcement, not student affairs judiciary panels or committees, should handle sexual assault complaints.
Although schools rank rape and sexual assault among the most serious offenses, student-against-student sexual assault remains high, while disciplinary practices appear antiquated, sluggish and forgiving. In response, the White House recently set up a "Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault," which will attempt to require campuses nationwide to conduct anonymous student surveys by 2016 to better understand how often assaults occur.
Neon Tommy attempted to nail down how often sexual assaults occur on USC's campus and found unresponsive departments, sealed data, old statistics and claims of "confidentiality" when asking for the number of sexual assaults that have been reported to all outlets over the past year. So we began counting them, and will continue to count and document alcohol and sexual abuse, through publicly available Department of Public Safety logs, every month. But even these logs don't display how many sexual assaults are reported, not to mention that most assaults are unreported.
At USC, sexual assaults do not appear on DPS logs if students go directly to the LAPD, the Center for Women and Men or other counseling services, which keep their records confidential if a student requests it, meaning some cases can go uncounted.
"There was one sexual assault reported directly to DPS, and we are aware there were other sexual assaults reported, but that doesn't mean they were reported to DPS," explained DPS Deputy Chief David Carlisle.
When asked how many cases of sexual assault have been reported to USC’s Department of Public Safety and then to the LAPD over the past six months, Carlisle said that information could not be given.
"We only officially give statistics that are published in our annual query report for accuracy purposes," said the chief. DPS’ annual security report combines offense data over the past three years. For 2012, the report says that a total of 40 forcible sexual offenses occurred.
However, it's difficult to tell how the university counts and files reported sexual assaults. Some cases are marked "Forcible Sex Offense," while others are marked "Service."
"An LAFD supervisor contacted the DPS office and reported that officers were investigating a possible sexual assault of a student at the location."
The difference between reporting a sexual assault at USC as a “Forcible Offense,” or “Service,” depends solely on the location, according to Carlisle.
“If it was a Clery-reportable location then we would include it in our statistics and yearly report,” said the chief. Clery reportable locations are on-campus, non-campus, but not private residences, and public property. This is standard at all universities.
SEE ALSO: Sexual Assault Investigation At USC Continues
Since 2012, Students Active For Ending Rape Communications Coordinator Tracey Vitchers said her organization has seen a "big wave of students coming out and saying that the reactions of administrators are not acceptable." Her group has filed Clery Act and Title IX violations, highlighting a serious "policy issue on the institutional level."
SAFER conducted an extensive report last year that poured over 300 formal and informal sexual assault policies, and found that schools often do not fully address the problem. The report gave more than 80 percent of college policies a grade C or below, an F to nearly one-quarter and said one-third don't fully comply with the Clery Act.
"While many of these colleges don’t have great policies about how to handle sexual assault and misconduct on campus, they also don’t have the policies and procedures internally to say, 'What can we do? What can our response be when these sorts of violations get filed against us?'" said Vitchers.
The Center for Public Integrity recently concluded a yearlong investigation, including a 10-year examination of complaints filed against institutions with the U.S. Education Department under Title IX and the Clery Act. A key finding: Students deemed “responsible” for alleged sexual assaults on college campuses can face little or no consequence for their acts.
A 2014 White House report discovered, unsurprisingly, that campus sexual assaults are fueled by drinking and drug use that can incapacitate victims, often at student parties at the hands of someone they know.
Neon Tommy counted 49 reports alleging sexual assault from 2011-2012, according to DPS records. Over the past two months, we have been documenting all sexual assaults and alcohol overdoses reported on or near campus or involving students.
Cases involving alcohol abuse or overdose were often marked "Cleared by Exceptional Means," are handled internally by the Department of Public Safety, Deputy Chief David Carlisle said.
"It’s forwarded to student judicial affairs for internal discipline," said Carlisle. "So that person won’t have a criminal record and there will be no criminal charges."
Carlisle said internal affairs doles out sentences for alcohol-related crimes that can be a "warning, writing a reflective paper, or community service," he said.
According to USC, sexual assault is considered a criminal matter that must be reported to the Los Angeles Police Department. Sexual assault is considered a felony, and that student should be punished to the highest degree.
But Carlisle says that a USC "student's expulsion or suspension is rare."
"That takes significant misconduct," said the chief.
When asked how many students are suspended each year because of sexual assault, the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards refused to answer and forwarded the question to Carl Marziali, University Communications Assistant Vice President for Media and Public Relations.
"Records of student disciplinary proceedings and outcomes are confidential at USC," said Marziali. When asked about a ballpark number, Marziali said that information is "not available to the public."
However, DPS logs are. Here's the list of sexual assault complaints and alcohol calls from the past three months:
MAY
SEXUAL ASSAULT—Acquaintance Rape
Occurred 1/14/12 10:00 a.m.; Reported 5/2/14 3:04 p.m.
Troy Hall
A student reported she was sexually assaulted. No other details given.
Report#1401708
SEXUAL BATTERY
Occurred 5/4/14 1:21 p.m. Seeley Mudd Building
A student reported that a suspect inappropriately touched her buttocks.
Cleared arrest.
Report#1401741
SEXUAL BATTERY
4/4/14 1:32 p.m. Olin Hall
DPS officers responded to a student saying a suspect inappropriately touched her buttocks and detained the suspect. He was arrested.
Report#1401742
APRIL
DRUNK INJURY
4/19/14 2:31 a.m.-28TH ST & FIGUEROA ST
DPS officers responded to an intoxicated student who sustained two bruises to her forehead when she fell and hit her head
near the location. She was transported to the hospital and her case was “cleared by exceptional means.”
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Reported: 4/19/14 5:58 p.m.; Occurred: 4/18/14 8:00 p.m.to 4/19/14 2 a.m.— The Row
A student reported that she was sexually assaulted
Report #1401498
Four alcohol incidents were also reported that day.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
4/18/14 8:00 p.m. The Row
A student reported she was sexually assaulted.
Report#1401498
DRUNK IN PUBLIC
4/13/14-2:36 a.m. 2652 Ellendale PL
DPS officers responded to an intoxicated student who passed out in front of the location. The student regained consciousness but was incoherent when contacted by the officers, so the student was taken to the hospital and the case “cleared by exceptional means.”
Report # 1401411
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Reported:4/13/14 10:48; Occurred:4/13/14-2:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m.—No location given.
A student reported that she was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance. Case remains open.
Report #:1401414
SEXUAL ASSAULT
4/10/14 10:00 p.m. 29th St. & Ellendale Pl
No details given.
Report#1401420
VERY STRANGE DPS REPORTS ABOUT PAST SEXUAL ASSAULTS AT THE SAME LOCATION:
4/10/14 8:36 am
A student reported that she is aware of another student who was sexually battered at the location five years ago.
4/10/14 9:02 am
A student reported that she is aware of another student who was sexually battered at the location one years ago.
4/10/14 9:04 am
A student reported that she is aware of another student who was sexually battered at the location last semester.
The previous weekend, rape in a dorm and nine alcohol issues (corresponded with USC's school sponsored Spring Fest):
SEXUAL ASSAULT
4/6 12:43 a.m. Flour Tower (USC Dorm)
A student says she was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance. The case remains open.
Report #:1401295
ACOHOL OVERDOSE
4/6 2:30 a.m-in a Taxi at 32nd and Fig
A student passed out drunk in the back of a taxi cab and was unresponsive when DPS officers showed up. The student was sent to the hospital and the case was “cleared by exceptional means.”
Report #:1401297
CLEARED ARREST FOR DRUNKENESS
4/5/14 2:54 a.m.-27TH ST & FIGUEROA ST (aka the end of the row)
An intoxicated student was lying in the street. When DPS officers attempted to contact her she became combative and had to be physically subdued. An LAFD RA unit was requested to evaluate the student, but she refused to allow them to examine her. Due to the student's erratic behavior the officers concluded that she was unable to care for herself, so she was arrested and transported to MDC for booking.
Report # 1401271
TOTAL SEXUAL ASSAULTS: 7.
TOTAL ALCOHOL INCIDENTS: 8.
March
ALCOHOL
3/1/14 1:00 a.m.
Pi Kappa Phi
A student was drunk in public.
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/1/14 1:00 a.m.
Alpha Epsilon Pi
A witness dragged DPS officers to a student who was passed out in a parking lot. He was transported to California Hospital for medical treatment.
Report# 1400794
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/1/14 12:35 a.m.
Alpha Epsilon Pi
DPS officers responded to an intoxicated non-USC male at the party who was incoherent when contacted by officers. He was transported by an LAFD RA to the California Hospital.
Report# 1400795
ALCOHOL
3/1/14 12:00 a.m.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
DPS officers responded to an intoxicated non-USC female who fell and chipped her tooth at the party. Officers concluded she was unable to care for herself and she was transported to MDC for booking.
Report# 1400798
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Reported 3/2/14 2:06 a.m.
The Row area
An unidentified student reported that another student who wished to remain anonymous was sexually assaulted at an unknown frat party. The case is still open.
Report# 1400812
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/2/14 2:22 a.m.
Phi Sigma Kappa
DPS Officers responded to an intoxicated student who was reported unable to crd for herself. She was incoherent when contacted and was transported to California Hospital for medical treatment.
Report#1400813
DRUNK IN PUBLIC
3/7 12:18 a.m.
28th and Figueroa
DPS officers saw an intoxicated male student accompanied by a female students. officers offered the students transportation, and followed them until they were safely home.
DRUNK INJURY
3/7/14 11:17 p.m.
721 32nd St.
DPA officers responded to an intoxicated student who sustained a head injury when he fell off the roof. He was transported to the hospital for medical treatment
Report# 1400890
DRUNK IN PUBLIC
3/8/14 12:49 a.m.
DPS officers responded to a report of a student carrying a locked bike near the location and detained him for investigation. The officers couldn’t find the owner of the bike, but realized the suspect was intoxicated and unable to care for himself. He was transported to a detox center and the bike was impounded.
Report# 1400893
DRUNK AND ASLEEP aka “Personal Escort”
3/8/14 4:23 a.m.
DPS officers responded at the request of LAPD officers who found a drunk student who feel asleep behind the wheel of his parked car. The student passed a field sobriety test, so he was released to DPS and they took him home.
Report# 1400896
DRUNK IN PUBLIC
3/8/14 7:14 p.m.
Elisabeth Von Kleinsmid Residence Hall
DPS officers responded to an intoxicated student who couldn’t take care of herself. she was conscious, so officers concluded she did not require medical treatment. Officers released her to the care of a friend.
Report# 1400901
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/9/14 1:15 a.m.
Annenberg House
DPS officers responded to a drunk student who passed out in a bathroom. The student was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
Report# 1400903
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE AND INJURIES
3/9/14 3:40 a.m.
DPS officers responded to an intoxicated female student who had multiple abrasions to her face, chest and knee, but was incoherent and could not tell officers how she got those cuts. She was transported to the hospital.
Report# 1400904
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE AT FIVE GUYS
3/9/14 12:36 a.m.
An intoxicated student passed out at a table outside Five Guys. She was unresponsive when contacted by officers and transported to the hospital.
Report# 1400905
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/9/14 12:48 a.m.
Beta Theta Pi
A student was passed out at the house and was unresponsive when questioned by DPS. She was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
Report# 1400906
SEXUAL ASSAULT
3/11/14 8:18 p.m.
23rd St. and Portland St.
A suspect grabbed a female student’s breast as he walked by. DPS detained the suspect and the student positively identified him. He was arrested.
Report#1400936
LOUD FRAT PARTY
3/11/14 10:46 p.m.
Alpha Epsilon Pi
AEPi was cited to Judicial Affairs for breaking L.A. municipal code after members didn’t turn down their music at a loud party after DPS asked them to.
Report#1400939
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/15/14 12:01 a.m.
David X. Marks Tower
An intoxicated student passed out in the lobby and was taken to the hospital.
Report#1400985
ALCOHOL
3/15/14 6:21 p.m.
Adams Bl. & Menlo Av
DPS officers arrived to assist LAPD officers who detained a drunk student who was jaywalking. LAPD cited the student and DPS dropped him off at home.
Report#1400991
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL
3/16/14 6:35 p.m.
LAPD officers arrested a student for drinking inside a moving car, cited and released him.
Report#1401006
SEXUAL ASSAULT
3/24/14 11:39 p.m.
Kaprielian Hall
A student reported that he was sexually assaulted. The case is still open.
Report#1401085
SEXUAL ASSAULT
3/24/14 10:17 p.m.
Outside USC area
A student reported that she was sexually assaulted by another student.
The case is still open.
Report#1401086
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/26/14 1:13 a.m.
Webb Tower
An intoxicated non-USC male passed out in the lobby of the location. DPA contacted LAFT and he was hospitalized.
Report#1401109
ALCOHOL
3/28/14 1:50 a.m.
1161 29th St.
A male student was hospitalized for alcohol poisoning.
Report#1401135
DRUNK IN PUBLIC
3/29/14 12:42 a.m.
Ray and Nadine Watt Hall
A drunk student passed out at a desk. DPS officers released him to his roommate.
Report#1401148
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/29/14 3:11 a.m.
Caruso Catholic Center
A student passed out drunks on the steps. DPS officers released the student to his father.
Report#1401154
ALCOHOL/DRUG OVERDOSE
3/29/14 2:36 a.m.
Denny’s
A drunk, incoherent student was vomiting outside Dennys. DPS officers contacted LAFD and she was taken to the hospital.
Report#1401156
LOUD FRAT PARTY
3/29/14 7:58 p.m.
Sigma Nu
The fraternity was cited for allowing minors to consume alcohol at the house.
The citation was cleared by exceptional means.
Report#1401163
DRUNK IN PUBLIC
3/30/14 12:10 a.m.
Phi Gamma Delta
An intoxicated student was sitting on the sidewalk outside the house.
Report#1401168
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
3/31/14 2:35 a.m.
3029 Shrine Pl.
A student passed out on the sidewalk outside. She was incoherent when found by DPS and transported to the hospital.
Report#1401186
TOTAL SEXUAL ASSAULTS: 4.
TOTAL ALCOHOL INCIDENTS: 26.
February
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/1/14 1:46 a.m.
Gateway
A student passed out drunk at the location. She was unresponsive when contacted by DPS and transported to the hospital.
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/1/14 10:19 p.m.
Delta Delta Delta
A student was passed out drunk outside the house and he was sent to the hospital.
Report#1400372
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/1/14 12:14 a.m.
Phi Sigma Kappa
A witness flagged down DPS officers and took them to a student who had passed out drunk outside the house. She was unresponsive to officers and sent to the hospital.
Report#1400375
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/2/14 1:37 a.m.
Sigma Chi
An intoxicated student was being examined by the LAFT and was sent to the hospital.
Report#1400379
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/2/14 2:23 a.m.
Gamma Epsilon Omega
A student passed out drunk on the sidewalk and was unresponsive to DPS. She was transported to the hospital.
Report#1400382
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/2/14 4:18 a.m.
Century Apartments
A student passed out drunk on the pool deck. She was unresponsive to DPS and transported to the hospital.
Report#1400383
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/2/14 3:02 a.m.
Parkside
A student was too drunk to care for himself and had to be sent to the hospital.
Report#1400384
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/2/14 12:28 a.m.
Icon Plaza
A student experienced rapid heart rate after drinking. He was transported to the hospital.
Report#1400385
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/2/14 6:04 p.m.
Phi Kappa Psi
A student was passed out drunk and unresponsive when contacted by DPS. She was transported to the hospital.
Report#1400391
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/7/14 12:07 a.m.
32nd and University
A drunk student was vomiting and incoherent when contacted by officers. She was transported to the hospital.
Report#1400463
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/7/14 11:12 p.m.
Alpha Phi
An intoxicated student was incoherent when contacted by DPS and sent to the hospital.
Report#1400479
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/8/14 12:49 a.m.
Tau kappa Epsilon
An intoxicated female student fell down stairs and injured her nose and mouth. she was transported to the hospital.
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/9/14 1:23 a.m.
1164 37th St.
An intoxicated student was incoherent when contacted by DPS and sent to the hospital.
Report#1400488
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/10/14 2:40 a.m.
Terrace Apartments
A student was too drunk to care for herself but was released to the care of her sister.
Report#1400500
SEXUAL ASSAULT
2/10/14 3:31 p.m.
Location not given.
LAPD Officers reported that an unidentified student was treated for sexual assault at the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center. The student did not want to speak with officers.
Report#1400508
DRUNK IN PUBLIC
2/12/14 4:35 a.m.
Jefferson and University Av.
A drunk student was trying to enter campus after house without an I.D.
Report#1400524
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/13/14 11:22 p.m.
Chez Ronnee
An intoxicated female student was transported to the hospital.
Report#1400550
DUI
2/13/14 11;39 p.m.
30th and McClintock
A drunk male student hit a pedestrian and failed to stop. He was arrested.
Report#1400552
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/13/14 11:41 p.m.
Habitat Soo Zee
A drunk male student was found lying in the hallway and was transported to the hospital.
Report#1400553
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/15/14 1:09 a.m.
1010 21st St.
A student passed out drunk and was incoherent when contacted by DPS. She was transported to the hospital.
Report#1400571
ASSAULT
2/15/14 1:36 a.m.
California Hospital
A non-USC female was taken to the hospital after she was injured during an alleged assault at an unnamed fraternity house. She said she was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time and couldn’t remember the assault. LAPD detectives continued the investigation. Case is still open.
Report#1400572
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/15/14 3:31 a.m.
Internationally Themed Residential College
A drunk, unresponsive student was sent to the hospital.
Report#1400574
LOUD FRAT PARTY
2/14/14 3:19 p.m.
Sigma Chi
The frat was cited for violating University party policies.
Report#1400575
LOUD FRAT PARTY
2/19/14 8:43 p.m.
Delta Chi
Fraternity was cited for violating university party policies.
Report#1400641
DRUNK IN PUBLIC
2/20/14 12:59 a.m.
Phi Delta theta
A non-USC male passed out and was unresponsive to officers. he was arrested.
Report#1400647
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/21/14 12:21 a.m.
Troy Hall
The LAFD were examining three intoxicated students when DPS officers arrived. They were all transported to the hospital.
Report#1400661
ANGRY DRUNK STUDENT
A drunk student smashed the era windshield of a parked car. DPS officers detained the student and the owner of the car asked for the case to be handled through Judicial Affairs. The student was released.
Report#1400686
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/22/14 1:11 a.m.
1239 40th St.
A drunk student was vomiting in a trashcan and was transported to the hospital.
Report#1400688
SEXUAL ASSAULT
2/23/14 1:13 a.m.
Phi Sigma Kappa
A student said that another student grabbed her butt during a party. It is an “inactive investigation.”
Report#1400702
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/23/14 1:41 a.m.
May Ormerod hall
A drunk student was vomiting in a restroom and said that he wanted to go to the hospital.
Report#1400706
ALCOHOL OVERDOSE
2/28/14 1:08 a.m.
Kappa Alpha Theta
A female student was transported to the hospital for alcohol poisoning.
TOTAL SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES: 3.
TOTAL ALCOHOL CASES: 28.
