Sexual Misconduct on Campus: Compliance Problems with a Sexual Conduct Code for College Students and Potential Solutions

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of unwanted sexual contact on college campuses is a well-documented problem. Sexual conduct codes have been adopted at most institutions, but very little empirical research has examined the content or effectiveness of these codes in relation to student behavior. Objective: We assessed compliance with the sexual conduct code at a large state university to evaluate the correspondence of sexual behavior and the requirements of the code. Methods: Two surveys were conducted to obtain information from students on their behavior in relation to each aspect of the sexual conduct code. The code at the target university requires that students verbally request and receive permission before initiating sexual conduct and eschew sexual conduct with persons who are under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs. Results: In both studies, majorities of sexually active men and women reported engaging in sexual conduct that violates the code, as well as having been the target of such behavior. Sexual activity under the influence of alcohol and without prior verbal consent were most prevalent. Men and women did not differ in the likelihood of violating the code or being a target of such violations. Conclusion: Our results identify problems in conduct codes in defining consent and sexual misconduct, and raise serious doubts about the efficacy of such conduct codes in influencing behavior or protecting students. We present potential solutions based on our results and information from conduct codes of other institutions.