Date Approved

5-6-2021

Embargo Period

5-7-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Higher Education

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Tinnin, Drew

Committee Member 1

Dale, Dianna

Committee Member 2

McCombs, Tyrone

Keywords

Title IX, Mandatory Reporting, Rape Myths, Resident Assistants

Subject(s)

Resident assistants (Dormitories)--Rowan University; Rape--Investigation

Disciplines

Higher Education

Abstract

College campuses have become the front lines in the battle to end sexual assaults. One in five college-aged women will experience sexual assault during their time in school (Muehlenhard et al., 2017). This study explores whether mandatory reporters may disregard a report of sexual misconduct due to their belief in rape myths. Rape Myths are defined as any belief that exonerates the perpetrator while placing blame on the victim. This study aims to explore the relationship between rape myths and the largest population of mandatory reporters on campus, Resident Assistants. This study explores the degree of understanding Resident Assistants hold in the behaviors covered under Title IX, their ability to comfort and take information from a student reporting their experience, and whether they were familiar with the protocol to report the incident. This study identifies the most common rape myths held by Resident Assistants as well as the impact that these myths have in the likelihood of Resident Assistants to report the incident, as stated in the requirements of the mandatory reporting policy at Rowan University.

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