TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)–As university police continue to investigate three sexual assault allegations from Monday, senior Josie Angel said it reinforced fears many women have on campuses across the country.
“As a student, to open your email and see something like that, it’s obviously really concerning,” she said. “And as a woman on campus, it is a little concerning because there’s a higher risk for women who may experience sexual assault, especially on college campuses.”
Those feelings were echoed by other students, who also raised concerns on how they were informed of the initial investigation.
ISU students received an alert on Monday that read, “Indiana State University Police Department is currently investigating three sexual assaults by the same known suspect. If you [have] any information, contact ISUPD at 812-237-5555.”
Sophomore Saige Jones, who lives in the dorms, said she would’ve liked more information to ensure student safety.
“I think the scariest part is that it was in the dorms, and they didn’t say what dorms, so we didn’t know where to be on the lookout for, and we didn’t have a description of the person,” she said.
The alert also read, “Non-emergency,” in the subject line, something that various students raised concerns about, including junior Erica Sykes.
“When I first saw the email, I thought it was weird. Because it said, I believe, ‘three accounts were currently being investigated,’ and that’s a lot. That’s a lot. And it’s very dangerous,” she said.
An additional alert was sent out, telling students the suspect was separated from the University’s campus for the remainder of the investigation.
Angel said she thought the emails could include resources for students.
“Providing resources within those emails that they send out, rather than just saying like, ‘Oh, these sexual assaults happened on campus… also, here’s these resources if you need help, or if you’ve experienced this as well, here’s where you can go,’” she said.
She added that she believes the University should send out as much information as possible.
“I think being transparent with the students, as much as possible,” she said. “Obviously it’s an open investigation, so there are certain details that they can’t release. Getting whatever information they can state to students out, so that students are staying informed as possible, can help keep students a little bit at ease.”
Mark Alesia, the director of University communications, provided a statement, saying, “ISU provides a safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environment. This is demonstrated by the annual report the University files with the federal government and by the prompt, professional response to [Monday’s] reports by ISU’s Office of Public Safety and our Title IX Office.”
