MIT implements measures aimed at reducing inappropriate sexual conduct

MIT is taking significant steps to address sexual misconduct and harassment on its campus, as announced by President L. Rafael Reif. The initiative, led by Chancellor Cynthia Barnhart, follows a survey of the MIT community about sexual assault and unwanted sexual behavior at the institution.

The survey, which was emailed to all 10,831 undergraduate and graduate students at MIT, generated responses from 3,844 students, or 35% of those queried. The results revealed that close to half of the students who indicated they had experienced sexual misconduct at MIT, said that someone took advantage of them while they were drunk, high, asleep, or otherwise impaired.

To combat this issue, MIT has announced seven initial steps:

Hiring new staff and increasing training of the Committee on Discipline. The committee will be expanded to respond more effectively to those who experience sexual assault.
Expanding outreach and education beyond student living groups and clubs to reach students in academic departments and labs. This move aims to ensure that all students are aware of resources and support available to them.
Developing peer-to-peer programs to build on the natural impulse of students seeking support from friends. These programs will empower students to support each other in preventing and addressing sexual misconduct.
Implementing a program to educate students about sexual assault, the role that alcohol and drugs can play, the power of bystanders to help prevent sexual assault, and ways to help a friend who has been assaulted. This education will equip students with the knowledge and skills to foster a safer campus environment.
Helping students understand the psychological impact of unwanted sexual experiences. This initiative aims to provide students with resources to cope with the emotional aftermath of sexual misconduct.
Revamping procedures for reporting complaints and processes for addressing reported complaints. The goal is to make these processes more accessible and effective for those who have experienced sexual misconduct.
Charging a task force to review current education and prevention outreach efforts, explore best practices at other institutions, develop recommendations, and propose a plan for their implementation. This task force will work to continually improve MIT's efforts in preventing and addressing sexual misconduct.

The MIT community is encouraged to send ideas and comments to [email protected]. Chancellor Cynthia Barnhart will soon host a community forum to discuss the initial survey results and next steps.

It's important to note that MIT already has several measures in place to address sexual harassment and misconduct. These include the Institute Discrimination & Harassment Response Office (IDHR), which supports community members who experience harm and offers resources and reporting options for sexual harassment, misconduct, dating/domestic violence, or stalking involving students.

Faculty, advisors, and administrators are also "Responsible Employees" required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the IDHR office, establishing a community-wide reporting responsibility. The MIT Police Sensitive Crime Unit investigates sensitive crimes including sexual assault and harassment, and the Crime Prevention Unit offers programs such as self-defense training and safety resources.

MIT maintains policy frameworks and training around preventing harassment and discrimination, and enforces conflict of commitment and ethical standards among faculty and staff, which indirectly support a safer campus environment.

For precise, up-to-date information on the seven steps, I recommend checking MIT’s official website, press releases, or contacting their Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office directly.

MIT has concluded that the incidence of sexual assault on its campus is similar to that found on nation's residential campuses. However, with these new initiatives, MIT is committed to creating a safer and more supportive environment for all its students.