Editor's note: In the WellNest Watch, master's degree candidates in the public health program at EMU's School of Health Promotion and Human Performance explore news, research and standard practices in the field of health and wellness.
Ebrima Jobarteh is a graduate assistant in EMU's Office of Health Promotion.
College campuses are meant to be safe spaces for growth and exploration. A myriad of activities occur on campuses. These range from learning, sports, advocacy, friendships, courtships and sometimes, sexual harassment or abuse.
At this point, one might notice the natural history of how the latter end of the spectrum occurs. College students, especially freshmen, are usually in their late teenage years. This is often the stage when there are changes in hormonal levels, social interactions and intellectual capacities. It is a huge stage of adjustment — one that often leads others to make mistakes and get into trouble.
With every relationship, there are boundaries. Often, when these boundaries are crossed, it creates a state of unease, and occasionally, one begins to feel unsafe. Yes, we are talking about sexual harassment!
Sexual harassment is a scary topic that makes a lot of students uncomfortable. Freshmen and other students are often unprepared for these huge shifts in their interactions with friends, particularly those with special bonds. So, it becomes difficult to take action when boundaries are crossed.
There is also a feeling of shame, finger pointing, the uncertainty of what constitutes sexual harassment and the anonymity of the reporter. Thus, the silent culture and the embracing-the-suck phenomenon.
Sexual harassment includes unwanted physical contact, stalking, emotional or academic manipulation. It stems from friendships, courtships, quid pro quo from lecturers or faculty, teaching assistants, graduate assistants and others in a position of power. When there is a power imbalance, social media, persistent unwarranted texting even without sexual intent can make a student feel unsafe or uncomfortable. When a student feels unsafe, it becomes noticeable in their interactions with their partner or colleagues and could lead to a decline in classroom concentration, which could affect grades.
Prevention starts with respectful communication and boundary setting. Reporting strategies include campus hotlines, Title IX offices and trusted faculty.
By educating students on what sexual harassment looks like, how to recognize it and how to respond, we empower them to protect themselves and support their peers. Awareness fosters a culture of respect and accountability, making campuses safer and more inclusive for everyone.
Editor's note: If you or someone you know is in danger, call 911. Sexual misconduct reports can be submitted by calling 734-487-9126, visiting Student Center Room 250, emailing emu_titleix_office@emich.edu or filling out the form on EMU's Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response Office webpage. Contact EMU police by calling 734-487-1222.
Contributors to the WellNest Watch health column are Kegan Tulloch and Ebrima Jobarteh, graduate assistants in the Office of Health Promotions, and Shafaat Ali Choyon and Nathaniel King, graduate hall directors in the Department of Residential Life. All four are master's degree candidates in the Public Health Program from the School of Public Health Promotion and Human Performance at Eastern Michigan University.
