Students expect their university will mishandle sexual misconduct, if they ever report it

Sociologists, psychologists, and a Ph.D. student studying sexual harm found that many students at a large U.S. university distrust their institutions to handle sexual misconduct appropriately. Their 2022 survey of 2,500 students and prior interviews revealed that students anticipate an inadequate response from their university. This distrust stems from observed failures to address other harms, like racism and anti-LGBTQ+ incidents, and leads to feelings of institutional betrayal. Participants believed universities prioritize reputation and "damage control" over student well-being and support for victims. With the 2025 Trump administration executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, universities may find it harder to address sexual misconduct and discrimination simultaneously.