Political Science Club shows ‘The Hunting Ground’ documentary, calls students to action to support survivors of sexual assault

In November, Betsy DeVos proposed a revision to Title IX which would further the rights of the accused by requiring schools to cross-examine the individual who filed a Title IX complaint. In response to this proposed change to the long-standing policy, Political Science club members came to the conclusion to that they wanted to show the 2015 Sundance Documentary, “The Hunting Ground” in The Pulse on the evening of Thursday, April 4th. Maura Whiteley, Political Science Major, ‘21, and Vice-President of Political Science Club, on her inspiration for showing “The Hunting Ground”, stated, “Women are socialized to let sexual assault be quiet; we are told to be nice little girls. But we are educated, strong women, and we have a right to have a voice and not to be passive.”

“The Hunting Ground” presents a variety of college students who share their experiences with sexual assault on college campuses. Many student featured in the film cited a lack of assistance or validity granted to them from their college administrations. The documentary states that certain college campuses do a poor job of protecting rape victims because they are trying to sell a product, and sexual assaults tarnish that product. College administration saves themselves by victim-blaming as brought forth from a survivor in the film from Harvard. They ask the survivor, “How drunk were you? Did you give them the wrong idea of the friendship? Why didn’t you fight them?”

St. Kate’s students watching the film were aggravated by the interviews of survivors and the problems with college administrations.

“I’d scream, but this is a public place”, remarked Charon Mousseaux, ‘21. Marie Marano, ‘21, was inspired by the film and said, “I think instead of having college students watch sexual assault statistic videos during orientation, they should show this documentary, especially if it’s a campus mentioned in this film”.

Members of the Political Science Club handing out snacks before the showing.

Whiteley hopes that viewing this documentary creates an open discussion with students on the topic of sexual assault, and shows students they have the power to make change. The conclusion of the film showed students supporting survivors, helping to pass legislation, and holding schools accountable for their wrongdoings. Holly Larsen, a fellow Political Science club member, stated we should show support for survivors through our actions, for example, ceasing support and spreading the word if your favorite celebrity is convicted of sexual assault.

Whiteley said she hopes she has inspired students that viewed the film since St. Kate’s is a woman-focused institution and we should let survivors know we support them, we believe them, and they are not alone.

Political Science Club meets every Tuesday from 12-1 in the cafeteria. For more information, email: polisciclub@stkate.edu.