Dear Santa Clara University Students,

We write this evening regarding the email sent by Associated Student Government (ASG) President Abby Alvarez earlier today. She described troubling reports of sexual assault that have been brought to the attention of Greek life leaders as well as reports of the use of date rape drugs. This is alarming and we urge students to report to the University, so that we can take swift action. 

This is not who we are as a community. We unequivocally condemn sexual violence of any kind and take all allegations seriously.  We urge students who have information regarding any sexual assaults or use of date-rape drugs to come forward. Reports can be made to Santa Clara Police Department, the Equal Opportunity and Title IX office, Campus Safety Services, or to the Wellness Center. Cases reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX are fully investigated. 

For confidential support, please contact Bree Van Ness, Assistant Director for Student Survivor Advocacy and Campus Support Services in the Wellness Center. Bree is a critical resource and can be contacted at bvanness@scu.edu. A comprehensive list of on- and off-campus Student Resources is available on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX website. Reports to the university can be made using the online reporting form. 

Abby’s email to students earlier today referenced an estimate by Greek life leaders that multiple cases of sexual assault had been brought to their attention in the past week. This week, the University received several third-party reports about three possible incidents of drugging and a possible sexual assault this past weekend. We urge students to report what they know to the University, so that the University can investigate immediately and ensure that students get the support and help they need.

Each of us plays a critical role in creating and maintaining a safe, supportive and responsive environment for all members of our community. As such, we remind all students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 to complete the mandatory One Love program sponsored by the Wellness Center in October. One Love is specifically designed to address topics of relationship and dating violence, consent and bystander intervention to help build a culture of consent on our campus. 

We are grateful to our ASG leaders for their advocacy in sharing resources to support victims of sexual violence and to the leadership of various Greek organizations who are proactively taking steps to prevent sexual assault or harrassment at their events, as shared in Abby’s email. 

Thank you for your support and help in creating a campus where all can be safe. 

 

Belinda Guthrie
Director of Equal Opportunity & Title IX 

Jeanne Rosenberger
Vice Provost for Student Life