November 2, 2017
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
Today, we are releasing the results of Baylor University’s student-based 2017 Social Climate Survey from the Spring 2017 semester. The study, which focused on harassment, stalking, dating and sexual violence, and overall campus climate, provides a deeper view into the perceptions and experiences of Baylor students affected by those issues. I wanted to take this opportunity to share several key results from the survey with not only students, but our entire campus community:
While many of the responses demonstrate significant progress and provide hope for our campus community, others have shown that more assistance, training and resources are needed as part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. For example, the survey found that 31 percent of respondents indicated that they have experienced harassment in the form of sexist gender harassment and another 11 percent said they experienced crude gender harassment by a faculty member, instructor or staff member. This study emphasizes that while we have made significant progress, there is still more work to be done regarding this important issue. The survey results are available in their entirety online.
When I accepted the position as Baylor’s President, I vowed to continue the progress the University began in 2016 in implementing the 105 recommendations to address sexual and interpersonal violence within our campus community. With the recent completion of these 105 recommendations, we remain steadfast in our aim to be a model for the prevention of and response to sexual violence. My commitment to improve our campus culture and foster a caring Christian community is unwavering.
This study also underscores the need to continue assisting those who have experienced hurt and trauma. Please pray for all those affected by sexual assault and interpersonal violence. We should always extend our support, love, care and concern to survivors. Let us surround them with the love of Christ.
Should you or anyone you know experience harassment, stalking, dating violence or sexual violence, please seek help from the various resources available on campus. The Title IX Office, Counseling Center, Baylor University Police Department and University Chaplain are all equipped and able to help.
I would like to thank the 4,523 students from all Baylor campuses who provided their valuable input. It is through your participation that we are better able to understand and be aware of what you are experiencing as we continue working toward eliminating such incidents within the Baylor community. It’s truly on us to intervene and act to address the scourge of sexual violence within our society.
As we move forward, please know that the safety of our faculty, staff and especially students will always be our priority. We will use the results of this survey to inform our future educational, training and prevention programs, as we continue to provide a safe and secure educational environment for our campus community. We pledge to never tire in our efforts.
Sincerely,
Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President