“How do you think the University can strengthen its policies against sexual misconduct on campus?”
“Regarding the LS Gender policy, all new policies should be evidence-based to best identify and address problems. Secondly, all stakeholders, such as victims, must be fully considered. For instance, a psychologist should be present in hearings regarding peer violence to help explain the (normally neglected) differences in victims’ reactions. Since anyone can be a victim, the University must include proper representation of all LS members, not just students. Third, there has to be a solid feedback loop–not just for undergraduates, but for graduates as well.”
Regina Pagdanganan
Head, Commission on Anti-Sexual Misconduct and Violence
“I don’t think in-campus sexual misconduct is much of an issue because lots of the sexual harassment really happens outside the campus, especially in bars. I feel that there are still lots of men who don’t understand or take to heart the concept of consent and why it matters, so I think that should be integrated yearly into IntACT orientations to make sure everyone knows about it. It would also be good to talk about date-rape drugs and how you can identify these because that way, potential victims can learn to identify these and potential rapists will be scared to do it because there’s awareness about it. I also think there should be an online form that you can fill out anytime if you’ve witnessed something of that caliber. [The Sanggunian] has gotten pretty good at responding to sexual harassment cases, but it’s a matter of making their policies known so that students would be informed enough to use them.”
Calia Noche
2 BFA CW
“I believe that in order to strengthen Ateneo’s anti-sexual harassment [policies], Ateneo needs to have an environment or a platform that is safe for victims to come forth. Many victims are too afraid due to the judgement that they’d bring upon themselves or due to the position of power their abuser may be in. As it stands the only active platform is the ADMU Freedom Wall and even then it isn’t much of a safe space because of all the troll (sic) and abusers. The laws the Ateneo put forth can be as strong as ever but unless the victims have a way to reach out and call for help, then no justice can be served.”
Xavier Abad
2 AB PSY
“I think the school can start by teaching students basic law—such as consent. If the students know what is and isn’t allowed, they can better call out what shouldn’t be. If they continue to remain unaware of basic terms in law, then things that shouldn’t be will continue to slide under the radar.
Juan Carlos Zarate
4 AB COM
“I think the University can strengthen their policies against sexual misconduct by showing transparency of what they do, and setting boundaries of what the punishment is for breaking these rules. Ateneo should have a clear definition of what the rules are, and they should properly define what the costs would be for breaking them. There shouldn’t be things swept under the rug or kept hidden. Also, Ateneo should act on these rules, and they should show their students that they can be protected in cases of sexual misconduct.”
Paolo Itchon
4 AB EC
“[Not only as a] University, but as a community, we must strive to create an environment in which victims of sexual abuse can speak out freely and of their own choice. We must create a place where we, the students, feel empowered to speak out against such injustices freely. While the anonymity of social media has proven extremely useful in bringing these cases to light, we must help these victims speak freely and openly if they so choose, and under absolutely no stress neither fear of reproachment.”
Santino Campos
1 BS MS-CS
“The University can strengthen its policies [against sexual misconduct] by creating safe spaces for people to talk about it. Ateneo can link with its [Loyola Schools Office of Guidance and Counseling] to provide these avenues. By doing so, we are creating a more open and responsive community.”
Vincent Carlo Legara
1 AB-MA POS
“I think that it’d be better to remove one-on-one consultations with teachers. Like if ever there were consultation periods, it should be at least by pair so that there’s someone watching over the other and the students aren’t alone with the profs.”
Carlyle Chua
1 BS LM
“One way to strengthen the gender policies of the Ateneo is by having talks that address every contemporary topic regarding gender, like the #MeToo movement, LGBT, etc., and be a leeway to mention that Ateneo has related policies. Besides having talks, an organization could be proposed to the Loyola Schools that reaches out to LGBT centers in the Philippines, if there are any; or an org that focuses on finding one’s identity—almost like a therapy session. Also, I recently noticed that students from the Ateneo celebrate Pride March or Pride Day. The Ateneo can build on top of this and make the celebration of Pride Day and Pride March more prominent and known to the Ateneo community which could be a day or even a week to celebrate the bravery of our LGBT brothers and sisters.”
Joaquin Leido
1 AB PH
“I really think that in order to have a stronger and more effective policy, the disciplinary action that the offender would face should be rather heavy instead of imposing [just] community service [on them]. I believe that the consequences of their actions should enable them to learn from their mistake so as to never repeat the act again. Moreover, with heavy disciplinary action, possible offenders would not even dare attempt anything and realize that their dark intentions are never okay.”
Moexia Discar
2 BS COMTECH
“The University can strengthen anti-sexual misconduct policies by actually addressing the policies more efficiently. Instead of leaving cases of sexual misconduct as pending, [offices] should actually take action. The University should focus and change its priority since cases left on hold imply that they prioritize other stakeholders compared to the others, such as the case of the professor and the student.”
Issa Concepcion
2 BS LM
