May: CAPE’S Monthly Newsletter
By The CAPE Project, Doane University
April Rewind
April was a month of significant achievements for The CAPE Project, highlighted by a successful Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We kicked off the month by unveiling our impactful “What Were You Wearing” display, aimed at educating the Doane Community about victim blaming and supporting survivors. On April 24th, Denim Day saw enthusiastic participation from both staff and students, underscoring our community’s commitment to creating a safe campus for all. Despite adverse weather forcing a venue change, the STEPS4THEM walk and run event witnessed a record turnout, with over 70 attendees. The event featured inspiring speeches from two survivors who courageously shared their stories, as well as the Hope Crisis Center Crew in attendance, adding to the event's success.
This month saw the first Coordinated, Community, Response Team (CCRT) meeting under new Director leadership. On April 8th, both internal and external partners met to reenergize members and reaffirm strategic goals. Plans were laid for regular meetings to sustain momentum and foster collaboration.
On April 24th and 25th, Jenne, an advocate from Voices of Hope in Lincoln visited Doane’s Lincoln campus, extending vital resources to our non-traditional graduate students. This initiative marks the beginning of ongoing efforts to provide tailored support to this student demographic. We are so thankful for VOH and their dedication to supporting our Lincoln students. We also want to thank the Director of the Lincoln Campus, Catherine Archie-Johnson, for her support with this initiative.
On April 29th, CAPE Peer Educators completed all spring training sessions with Doane Athletic teams, ensuring all athlete’s received comprehensive prevention education. Each athletic team is required to attend four training sessions, two per semester. Peer educators typically facilitate nearly 100 training sessions annually. Their invaluable contributions are some of the most important work of the project.
Exciting developments continued as the CAPE Director announced the hiring of the 2024/25 peer educator cohort, comprising nine returning members and ten new comers. Their training will commence in August, marking a transition as we bid farewell to the current senior class whose remarkable dedication have undoubtedly left a mark on the CAPE project.
Equity Compliance Officer
Doane is currently in the process of hiring an Equity Compliance Officer following the departure of Leah Cech. This position will ensure university compliance with the sexual harassment policy (Title IX) and the university’s non-discrimination policy (i.e. Titles VI and VII) and will provide support with other state and federal civil rights laws and regulations as applicable. Jaden Hilkemann (Project Director) and Luis Sotelo (VP of DEI) are both members of the hiring committee. The committee is actively searching for a trauma-informed candidate who will create a safe space for students, staff, and faculty to report any misconduct. The expected start date for this position is July 1st.
What’s Ahead?
May will continue to keep us busy with several events on the horizon.
This month, Doane students will receive an invitation to participate in a Campus Climate Survey developed by Psychology Professor Dr. Heather Reeson-Lambert and Jaden Hilkemann. The outcomes of this survey aid the University in reassessing current challenges related to interpersonal violence within our community. The objective is to gain insight into students’ perspectives on these issues. This data holds significant value for the CAPE project, enabling us to pinpoint the unique needs of our student body.
CAPE is looking forward to co-leading the first training session in over a year with the Crete Police Department on May 29th. With the help of Hope Crisis Center, the session will focus on dealing with trauma victims. We are very thankful to Police Chief, Gary Young for helping us schedule this training
As the semester comes to an end the approval and editing process of three new training sessions will continue. The project director is currently awaiting approval for sessions for Fraternity Groups, Sorority Groups, and the Performing Art Department. Content includes victim blaming prevention, male survivorship, power dynamics, and bystander intervention. CAPE plans to have these ready for rollout in the fall.
Current and Relevant Events
Harvey Weinstein’s Conviction Overturned: The New York Court of Appeals recently overturned Harvey Weinstein’s sex crimes conviction, emphasizing errors related to the admission of testimony from “prior bad acts” witnesses. These witnesses were deemed unnecessary for establishing Weinstein’s intent. The court ruled 4–3 in favor of a new trial.
Weinstein, who was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2020 for first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape, has consistently denied any nonconsensual sexual activity. Despite the overturning of his conviction, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office plans to retry the case, expressing commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault.
The decision underscores challenges faced by the #MeToo movement in legal proceedings, as it demonstrates the complexities surrounding the presentation of evidence and the pursuit of justice in cases of sexual assault.
Settlement for Gymnastics Victims: The Justice Department has announced a $138.7 million settlement to resolve 139 claims stemming from sexual abuse committed by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. The settlements address allegations that the FBI inadequately investigated Nassar’s conduct, potentially concluding years of efforts by gymnasts, including Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney, to hold federal authorities accountable. Nassar, who abused hundreds of victims over nearly two decades, was sentenced to prison in 2018. A 2021 DOJ report criticized the FBI’s handling of the case, citing mishandling and policy violations. The settlement aims to provide support for Nassar’s victims as they continue to heal from his crimes.
University of Nebraska Alleged Abuse: A former women’s basketball player at Nebraska, Ahas, filed a lawsuit against the university and former coaches, alleging she was groomed for a sexual relationship by former assistant coach Chuck Love. The athlete claims she was subsequently removed from the team after her relationship with Love was revealed in a scheme orchestrated by teammates.
The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Nebraska, seeks compensatory and punitive damages for alleged civil rights violations and emotional distress. It names head coach Amy Williams, assistant coach Chuck Love, athletic director Trev Alberts, and the university’s board of regents as defendants. The suit alleges mishandling of the situation, including failure to take appropriate action after the incident at Penn State, where the athlete’s presence in Love’s hotel room was confirmed. She has also said Love pressured her into sexual acts and that she faced repercussions for refusing. She claims she was portrayed as a “seducer and a liar” by Coach Williams and teammates, leading to her dismissal from the team and subsequent hardships.
Updated TITLE IX Regulations
The U.S. Department of Education has released its Final Rule under Title IX, reinforcing protections against sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. The regulations aim to ensure equal access to education, free from harassment or violence, while promoting fairness and accountability. Key provisions include safeguards against sex-based harassment and discrimination, measures to address complaints effectively, and support for students, families, and schools. The rules also underscore the Department’s commitment to fundamental fairness and privacy rights. The regulations take effect on August 1, 2024, with ongoing efforts to support schools in compliance and implementation.
The blog posts in Forward. Together. are intended to foster an inclusive community of empathy and curiosity at Doane University by providing a glimpse into various individual identities and worldviews. These are community members’ unique stories and should not be presumed to be the experience of all who share the same identity.
