COLUMN: How does FAU handle sexual misconduct? We want to hear your story.
My name is Kayla Barnes and I am writing a story about how Florida Atlantic University handles sexual misconduct.
I am reaching out to you— students, faculty, staff and alums— to invite you to share your experiences and/or perspectives on this matter.
Any kind of information is useful. Even if you did not report, if it happened a long time ago, or if you choose not to go on the record.
I believe it is crucial to examine FAU’s policies and practices and the support systems it offers students.
To clarify, FAU defines sexual misconduct as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
It can affect anyone regardless of gender, and perpetrators can also be of any gender.
I understand the sensitivity of this topic and respect your privacy. You can choose to remain anonymous and I will ensure the confidentiality of your information.
I will not ask you for a detailed recounting of acts of sexual violence. I will also not ask you for the name of the aggressor or any other personal questions. This article is not about one particular case but rather the general handling of cases.
I am interested in what happened after the misconduct. For example, did you go to Victim Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, or any other FAU organization and what was your experience? This may give future survivors information on what to expect.
Again, any information is helpful and appreciated. You can help me write an informed and comprehensive piece, even if you choose to remain anonymous to the public.
Contact me by email at kbarnes2019@fau.edu.
If you don’t want me to know your identity, submit to this one-question survey. Emails and names are not collected.
The information you provide will not be quoted or referenced in the article. But it will provide direction during the reporting process.
Kayla Barnes is a contributing writer for the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, you can reach Kayla at kbarnes2019@fau.edu.
Latest University Press
- COLUMN: Breaking the gender gap as the first female sports editor for the University PressEntering a field in sports reporting never crossed my mind at a young age. A female reporter never flashed across the screen growing up, and I never heard a feminine voice. Headlines of articles weren’t written by women and games that were broadcasted were played by men. I never imagined a world where the words,...
- Different journey, shared experiences: Women of color at FAU share how intersectionality shapes their livesImani Derivois, a senior sociology student at Florida Atlantic University, understands the impact of intersectionality firsthand. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, intersectionality is defined as “the way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism and classism) overlap or intersect, especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups.” A...
- Redefining leadership: FAU’s women leaders who are setting new standardsFlorida Atlantic University’s growing community of female leaders are revolutionizing their positions in executive roles. Within the university, female leaders like Valery Forbes, Sheila Walden, and Anne Fennimore are pushing past these barriers, taking on roles that drive innovation and equity. According to a study conducted by Sara Shaw, a professor from the University of...
- A persistent pay gap: Latinas earn 58 cents for every dollar paid to white menDaniel Farbiarz, a Florida Atlantic University student, watched his mother move to Florida from Colombia three years ago with dreams of building a better future. But despite holding a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, she found doors closing at every turn. “She would go to interviews and come back excited, saying they liked her, but...
- Men’s Basketball: Owls close regular season with a 81-53 victory to the PiratesThe Florida Atlantic Owls men’s basketball team (17-14, 10-8 AAC) defeated the East Carolina University Pirates 81-53 on senior day to close out the regular season. This win places the Owls at the fifth seed in the American Athletic Conference tournament. This game was special because it was senior day and head coach John Jakus...
- Letter from the Editor: A tribute to women’s strengthInspired by International Women’s Day, this print issue from the University Press staff stands in recognition of the relentless strength, resilience and determination of women everywhere. As a newsroom led by a majority female staff, this issue isn’t just another edition — it’s a declaration of the struggles women face, no matter their background. They...