When I came to Eastern Michigan University, I expected a safe place and a time in my life where I didn’t have to be fearful anymore.
Today, I am a survivor of sexual assault. In my first year on campus, I have come to find out that universities are not only covering up sexual assault allegations, but enabling them by not having serious repercussions for the ones that are reported. I now feel more fearful than ever of something happening to me, and my own university is not protecting me. The students walking into the doors of Eastern Michigan and University of Michigan this year have made clear we will not remain silent about these issues.
We will not remain silent until we see that change is made and universities are held accountable for their actions. We, as a student body, and a new generation are calling on UM and EMU to fix their sexual assault policies. We demand change, so that universities will no longer be able to hide behind the statute of limitations, because in the eyes of students and the victims of perpetrators like Dr. Robert Anderson, we will always remember.
The new generation is watching Eastern Michigan and University of Michigan, we are watching and waiting for you to make the right decisions to protect your student body.
Eastern Michigan University freshman Lynn Green
The Eastern Echo accepts letters from readers in the Eastern Michigan University and Ypsilanti area communities, with a goal of encouraging civil discourse. Letters must be about topics of interest to the community, and not more than 300 words in length. Letters that violate community standards, make personal attacks or fail to address issues of public concern will not be published. The Eastern Echo reserves the right to edit all letters and decline any submission.