Yesterday, seven UConn students announced that they were filing a federal discrimination complaint against the University for mishandling cases of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.  However, the incidents that they are referring to in their case are not isolated incidents. They are among many of the cases of sexual violence that have occurred in recent history, most of which have been downplayed or ignored by the campus administration and community.

So as the case at UConn is gaining more attention, I thought I’d try to educate everyone on the backstory to just how bad the issue of rape culture is here at the University of Connecticut. This is by no means comprehensive. But everyone should know just how bad things have been.

November, 2002- UConn Football Player Charged with Tampering With Rape Case

April, 2007- Students Protest Bigotry and Sexism in the Tuition-Funded Daily Campus Newspaper

May, 2008– Sexual Assault on what is known as UConn’s “Rape Trail”

October, 2010- Sexist comics in the Daily Campus Newspaper Draw Concern

September, 2011- Daily Campus “Instant Daily” Publishes Sexist Comments, Mentions of Sexual Assault

February, 2012– UCTV “Blue Light” Video Mocks Rape on student fee-funded TV channel

October, 2012- UConn Football Player Lyle McCombs arrested after assaulting his girlfriend

February, 2013– UConn Basketball Player Enosch Wolfe arrested after assaulting a woman at an on-campus residence

April, 2013– UConn student Carolyn Luby faces rape and death threats after publishing an open letter about Rape Culture at the University.  Administration refuses to take a stance. 

July, 2013- UConn Professor suspended, accused of sexually abusing both young children and university students

October, 2013– Two UConn students assaulted in the woods near popular off-campus party location

October, 2013– UConn Students cheer mention of “Rape Trail” at Homecoming Concert

October, 2013– Seven UConn Students file Title IX Complaint against Administration

Again, this list is by no means comprehensive. I may add to it as more comes to light. Most of these events (with the exception of the one in 2008) occurred while I have been a student at the University.