As students pursue this fall semester on our college campuses, it is important to be aware of the risk of sexual assault. The American Association of University Women reports that up to one in four women experience unwanted sexual intercourse while attending college in the United States, and that one in 12 college men admit to acts that meet the legal definition of rape. Institutions of higher learning can and should help to prevent sexual assault on campus. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has launched a new initiative to do just that, with an interactive online program called ?Tonight? that is now required viewing for all first-year students.
….Wisconsin is home to many reputable colleges and universities whose goal is to create a safe and secure learning environment for all. Effectively addressing sexual violence with students, faculty, and staff is critical to achieving that goal. We should commend UW-Madison for implementing the ?Tonight? program, and we should encourage all of our colleges and universities to communicate similar messages to incoming students.