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Stanford University is facing criticism from students and sexual assault survivor advocates after changing how its Title IX office discusses sexual misconduct complaints and reorganizing its prevention and awareness programs.
Among the changes is a decision to use more neutral terminology during sexual misconduct investigations, including replacing the word “survivor” with “impacted student” in certain contexts, The New York Post reported.
The university says the changes are intended to protect fairness in investigations and reflect the office’s broader civil rights responsibilities. Critics argue that the approach, combined with changes to prevention programming, risks undermining students’ confidence in Stanford’s commitment to supporting survivors.
The controversy prompted students to organize their own Take Back the Night rally on Sunday, after the university office that previously sponsored the annual event was no longer involved in organizing it.
Why Stanford Changed Its Terminology
According to an October 28 investigation by The Stanford Daily, the university recently removed Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Education (SHARE) from the name of its Title IX and Title VI Office.
The office investigates complaints involving sex-based discrimination and harassment under Title IX, along with discrimination involving race, color and national origin under Title VI.
University officials say the name change reflects a broader approach to civil rights enforcement rather than a retreat from sexual assault prevention.
Patrick Dunkley, Stanford’s vice provost for Institutional Equity, Access and Community, told the student newspaper that the term “survivor” will continue to be used in educational programming. During investigations, however, the university will use neutral terminology such as “impacted student” to avoid language that could suggest a conclusion before the facts have been established.
The distinction has become a point of contention.
Some survivor advocates argue that the word “survivor” recognizes the experiences of people who report sexual violence without necessarily prejudging an accused student’s responsibility.
Stanford, meanwhile, maintains that its investigative process must remain impartial to everyone involved.
The disagreement highlights a continuing challenge for colleges, which is providing meaningful support to students reporting sexual misconduct while ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly.
Changes to Prevention Programs Raise Additional Concerns
The controversy extends beyond terminology.
Pelagia Martin, a former student employee of Stanford’s SHARE office, resigned on October 16 after objecting to changes involving sexual assault awareness and prevention programming.
Martin told The Stanford Daily that university officials had discussed reducing the office’s involvement in events such as Take Back the Night and other sexual violence awareness initiatives.
Stanford disputed portions of her account.
University officials said awareness programming would continue, although decisions about which offices would oversee certain activities had not been finalized.
The university also faced criticism earlier this fall after discontinuing Flip the Script, a sexual assault resistance education program for college-aged women.
Following student and faculty objections, Stanford reinstated the program on October 17.
Students have also questioned changes to Beyond Sex-Ed, another educational initiative that had been incorporated into new-student orientation.
For critics, these developments have raised concerns about whether sexual violence prevention is receiving the same institutional attention it previously did.
Stanford maintains that it remains committed to supporting students affected by harassment and discrimination.
Students Organize Their Own Take Back the Night Rally
On Sunday, students gathered at Stanford’s White Plaza for a Take Back the Night event focused on sexual assault prevention, survivor support and institutional accountability.
Unlike previous years, the rally was organized independently of the university’s Title IX office.
The student group Resisting Rape Culture at Stanford led the event, which included speeches and a silent march to the Chanel Miller Contemplative Garden.
Speakers criticized the university’s recent changes and called for stronger prevention education, more accessible reporting procedures and greater transparency in how sexual misconduct complaints are handled.
Students also raised concerns about delays in individual Title IX investigations.
Martin, who helped organize the rally, argued that student activism alone shouldn’t have to replace ongoing institutional support for survivors.
The event was part of a broader national Take Back the Night campaign encouraging colleges to improve their responses to sexual violence.
Changes To Campus Sexual Assault Reporting
The controversy raises questions about how universities balance procedural fairness with their responsibility to prevent sexual misconduct and support students who report it.
Title IX requires federally funded educational institutions to respond to sex discrimination, including certain forms of sexual harassment and violence.
Universities must also follow applicable federal regulations governing investigations and grievance procedures.
Using neutral terminology during an investigation does not necessarily change a student’s legal rights or eliminate access to supportive services.
But advocates worry that changes in language, staffing or prevention programs can affect whether students feel comfortable reporting misconduct in the first place.
Stanford says students continue to have access to confidential support, reporting options and educational resources.
Survivor advocates are concerned whether the university’s administrative changes will translate into meaningful differences in how sexual assault complaints are handled.
The protest suggests that many students intend to keep pressing Stanford for answers. Particularly about the future of prevention programming and the university’s commitment to survivor support.
