By: Dave Johnson & Greg Christopher

In the Aug. 24 edition of the Newswire, Taylor Zachary wrote an op-ed article articulating his commitment to combat sexual assault on college campuses. We share his commitment.

Integrity is important at Xavier. Integrity is featured prominently in the University’s vision statement, in Athletics’ mission statement and in the mission of the Office of the Dean of Students. Perhaps the most eloquent articulation of Xavier’s commitment is in the Student Commitment: “We act with integrity, justice and generosity. All for one and one for all.”

It is out of our shared commitment to integrity and to students’ success that Xavier has invested significantly in the development of educational programs to decrease sexual assault and response systems to support students impacted by sexual and gender-based violence. For the past several years, the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of the Dean of Students have partnered with Athletics to do just that.

We ensure that student-athletes undergo the same conduct processes— and receive the same support—as any other student. When student misconduct is reported, regardless of whether it occurs on or off campus, it is always addressed by the Office of the Dean of Students.

In cases in which the conduct may constitute gender-based violence or sexual misconduct, the Title IX Office is involved. In many cases, Athletics too responds. Our commitment to integrity means that these incidents are never excused or dismissed. It is important to note that federal education guidelines require that Xavier’s response to student misconduct generally remain confidential.

The Division of Student Affairs and Athletics are committed to keeping our community safe. Stopping sexual violence on college campuses requires cultural transformation and student leaders are perhaps the most critical catalyst for creating change. We look forward to partnering with student leaders in the year to come to combat sexual violence. Together we can live out our shared commitment to integrity, justice and generosity.