The Red Zone of sexual assault, in a time of decreased protections

By Gia Smart | Oct. 20, 2026

According to an Association of American Universities study, the overall rate of nonconsensual sexual contact, beginning after the time of enrollment into college, was 13 percent. This 181,752 person survey found that roughly 1 in 4 female and transgender undergraduate students experience rape or sexual assault compared to their male counterparts which totals around 1 in 14 people.

According to the John Hopkins University Student Well-Being Blog, it is estimated that over 50% of sexual violence on college campuses happen from the time of move in to the end of Thanksgiving break. This spike in sexual assaults and rape incidents is known as the Red Zone, a term coined by Robin Warshaw, an American journalist. Researchers attribute the higher concentration of sexual assaults and rape to the unfamiliarity of new surroundings, new people and a lack of knowledge of campus resources hence why freshman undergraduate students are disproportionately effected.

Examples of the Red Zone and its impact can be found in news headlines across the country in the last few weeks, as details about the “Cornell Seven” are released. 

For those unaware, the “Cornell Seven” refers to an event in October 2024, in which Jane Doe alleges that seven male fraternity members gang-raped and drugged her in a Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell University in New York. This situation has gained recent attraction in news outlets and social media due to the female student suing Cornell University.

Historically, Maryville College has been a strong advocate against situations like the ones at Cornell University according to Director of Residence Life and Title IX Coordinator Daniel Roselli (’14).

“Overall, during my time at Maryville College, I have been impressed by the institution’s commitment to responding to these issues thoughtfully, fairly and compassionately. The College prioritizes student well-being, provides appropriate support resources and works to ensure concerns are addressed in accordance with established policies and procedures,” said Roselli.

Maryville College offers various resources to students needing support navigating through these difficult situations. The Counseling Center offers counseling with non-mandated reporters and other mental-health related services to students at no extra cost. The Chaplains at the Center for Campus Ministry are non-mandated reporters so students can confide in them without the situation being reported. The Preventing Assault & Violence through Education (PAVE) office provides education and prevention resources to help members of the college and community learn about consent, sexual violence and a multitude of other topics. Title IX works to mediate, solve and prevent future campus safety issues by following a lengthy, unbiased investigative process after receiving a report. Residence Life works to help students get to where they need to be through the professional staff members and Resident Assistants. 

According to Roselli, MC has a low amount of incidents of rape and sexual assault compared to the national average and these resources may help explain why. Although, some students are beginning to feel more hesitant about the safety of MC due to recent events on campus and nationally.

“Something like this [the Cornell Situation] has happened to me too. It’s happened to almost every other woman I know. I picked Maryville College for its safety, although I start to question it now. [With] frats and sororities wanting to be brought onto campus and PAVE being removed from the College, I become less confident,” said a student who would like to remain anonymous for her safety.

In the spring semester of 2026, Maryville College began to look into the feasibility of the incorporation of officially recognized fraternities and sororities, something that has been previously outlawed by students through the Student Government Association (SGA). This causes some concern for students due to incidents like the “Cornell Seven” and the prevalence of sexual violence closely related to fraternities and sororities. Additionally, the PAVE program has recently announced that they were not able to renew government funding due to issues with the Department of Justice. 

This means that the PAVE office and their services will likely dissolve in early November leaving the future of prevention education at Maryville College up in the air. 

On the national level, Title IX no longer protects sex-based discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity due to the current administration’s interpretation of Title IX. These protections, that were put in place and reinforced by the Biden administration, are now leaving queer students unprotected after being stripped by the Trump administration.

These events not only concern some students but also worry faculty and staff at the college. Prevention Education Director Laura Reed (‘24) is nervous about the future of the safety of students but has hope in the college for making the right decisions.

“But if they [Maryville College] end up bringing them [fraternities and sororities] you have to have some sort of Prevention Education program. […] If we can set it up to where we can intertwine PAVE and the culture that we want, we can make sure all of the proper protocols and policies are in place so that something like the Cornell Seven would never happen,” Reed said.

Some students also note that having a male Title IX coordinator may limit the amount of incidents reported leaving numbers skewed.

“While I recognize that hesitation [of not wanting to report to a man], I bring more than ten years of experience adjudicating college conduct matters and working within student support and care offices,” Roselli said. “My hope is that students feel comfortable accessing the resources and support available to them, regardless of who initially receives their report.”

In keeping with current events, students have been using their voice to speak up for what they believe in. Whether it is through posts on Yik Yak and social media, drawings during the Chalk Walk or filling out surveys in regards to Greek Life on campus, students are ensuring their voice is heard. Reed offers advice to these students who are wanting to speak up and out.

“A piece of my heart will always be here — at Maryville College and PAVE. Now it’s your turn to carry this forward. Keep showing up. Keep stepping up. Keep stepping in. Keep caring. Keep taking care of each other because this was never about my work. It’s yours now. Take care of each other Scots and Scots don’t stand by, we pave the way,” said Reed.

For more information on Title IX and questions about reporting an incident visit the Maryville College Website under Campus Life, student services, handbook (section 12 / XII), or contact the Title IX coordinator at [email protected]

For more information on the Counseling Center and their services visit the Maryville College Website under Campus Life, Health & Well Being, Counseling Center Website or contact the Counseling Center at [email protected]

For more information and questions about Residence Life contact [email protected]

For more information about PAVE contact the Director of Prevention Education at [email protected]