NSU Students Hold Protest After Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct

Dozens of Northeastern State University students protested on Friday against reported sex crimes on campus to try to get the university to improve safety.   

“We just really want our voices to be heard at NSU and to get what we deserve. You know, we’re paying to be here,” said Zoanna Howell, Sophomore. 

School administrators said safety is the school's priority and it already has numerous safety programs in place.   

“NSU is a very safe campus, and we hear regularly from students (and their families) that they feel safe here. In fact, we are listed in The National Council for Home Safety and Security as one of the safest campuses in America. In part, we have earned that designation by listening to our students to address their needs, and we take every safety concern seriously,” said Sheila Self, NSU Student Affairs Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students. 

Northeastern State University students said there's a big difference between listening to victims' stories and concerns and actually taking what they say to heart. 

“In my childhood, I had a lot of sexual abuse, and I know friends that have been sexually assaulted here on campus that have told me their stories, so I just want to be as much help as I can and as supportive as I can for them and for anyone else who goes to this school,” said Howell.  

All it takes is one voice to break the silence, but at today's protest, there were dozens. 

"I know that it's scary and they may not be able to speak up, but I have a voice and I'm going to be able to speak up for them,” said Jazmine Chenoweth, Sophomore. 

Jazmine Chenoweth said the movement started on Instagram called "Riverhawks Want Change" where a student who has chosen to remain anonymous claimed to be assaulted as a freshman and was too afraid to come forward. This is their way of speaking up. 

"There have been multiple stories about rape accusations and how people have tried to come to the school and tried to get help and have just been shut down,” said Chenoweth.  

Students like Kels Estep feel ignored, and in danger. 

"I just constantly live in fear sometimes, and I live in fear for my friends, as well. And we have to walk each other to the bathroom on our own floor and our assaulter slash rapist is actively trying to get on our floor. And has,” said Kels Estep, Freshman. 

Her friend Jasmine came to show her support and as a voice for the voiceless.  

“They shouldn’t have to live in fear. They should be protected by their university campus. They shouldn’t have to see the perpetrator multiple times on campus. We’re just here fighting for them, and we just want justice,” said Jazmine Gracey, Freshman. “I’m just a friend trying to support my friends and be there for them and make sure that they have a really great support system surrounded by them.” 

In a statement, Self said, “Even one sexual assault is too many, and we support this student-led effort to stand up against acts of sexual violence. NSU is committed to responding to all reports of sexual assault in accordance with state guidance and federal law. We prioritize student safety, empower victims to determine how their case proceeds, and provide a fair and equitable due process for both parties. We encourage anyone who has experienced any type of gender-based or sexual misconduct discrimination to report their situation […].” 

She said there were many changes in Title IX regulations in 2020 and the new guidelines resulted in several changes to the school’s policies and procedures. Self said the new federal guidance is over 2000 pages. 

According to Self, “It is important to remember that both complainants and respondents have rights and options, including due process. Therefore, if you have reported a Title IX incident, it is important to maintain ongoing communication about your situation with your advocate or the Title IX Coordinator throughout the process so that supportive measures and/or other policy violations may be addressed as the process unfolds.” 

NSU confirmed there have been seven Sexual Assault Reports during the fall 2021 semester, all in Tahlequah. Of the incidents reported in Fall 2021, Self said two occurred in resident halls, one in a parking lot, and four off-campus. 

“When incidents do occur, we offer a variety of resources to support our students and help them regain that sense of safety. Our goal is to not only help students feel safe but to listen and respond to their needs in order to help them be successful as a student,” said Self.  

Some of the options Self said are used to accomplish this include: 

· Class changes/accommodations 

· Assistance with Safety Planning 

· Advocacy within and outside the institution 

· Court Accompaniment/Assistance with obtaining protective orders 

· Campus safe room 

· Advocacy throughout the student conduct process 

· Advocacy with law enforcement 

· Light the Way Emergency Funds 

· Free on-campus counseling 

· Referrals to campus and community resources 

· Police escorts on campus 

Self says that students are educated on sexual assault during University Strategies and Welcome Week which details information about campus resources, reporting, and being an active bystander. At NSU, all faculty and staff (annually), and all new students complete Title IX training. Students can also take Rape Aggression Defense classes from campus police. 

Organizers said this is the first of many protests- in the movement against sexual assault on campuses.  

"I want them to know that we have a voice and we’re using it, and we hope that the university and the community hear us,” said Estep. 

The following are options for reporting assaults at NSU:  

· The Report Concern link which can be found in the footer of every NSU webpage

· Jamie Hall, the Compliance Coordinator (Title IX) 918-444-2120 or titleix@nsuok.edu 

· University Police at 918-444-2468 

· For confidential reporting: HawkReach Counseling Services (which includes counseling staff and victim's advocate) at 918-444-2042 or hawkreach@nsuok.edu 

· NSUOK App