Cal State San Marcos President Addresses Four Campus Rapes in Three Weeks

CSUSM president Ellen Neufeldt released a video pledging increased security after four rapes were reported in the first three weeks of the fall semester.

CSUSM President Responds to Four Sexual Assault Reports Since Start of Term

California State University San Marcos president Ellen Neufeldt released a personal video address this week pledging to strengthen campus security, NY Post Metro reports, after four rapes were reported at the university during the first three weeks of the fall semester.

The attacks occurred largely in on-campus housing, and officials believe the perpetrators were known to the victims in most cases. The reports prompted a student to launch a petition demanding an increased security presence, after she and other female students said they had reached out to the associate vice president for Campus Security and received no response as of September 21.

"[I] wanted to come to you personally this morning to address the recent reports around sexual assault on our university campus," Neufeldt said in the video.

She described the attacks as "deeply personal" to her, citing her previous professional work in advocacy, education and survivor support. Neufeldt said campus police, housing staff, Title IX staff "and so many more" were already mobilized and ready to assist.

"What I find most disheartening is that most of these cases happen in a place or space where the person is known to the victim," she said, whether in a private setting or at a social event.

Neufeldt spoke directly to survivors: "If these notices have caused trauma, I can completely understand that and I want you to know there's resources for you. If you have experienced sexual assault, harassment, recently or in the past, there's a place for you to go — whether you want a listening ear, whether you want a report — whatever it is that's right for you, we're here for you."

She also assured parents and community members that the university's efforts to prevent and address sexual assault "will never stop," adding: "We want to know. We want to help. We are going to be there. And I want you to know that we're on it right now in this minute and we'll continue to be."

A fifth report emerged on September 21, when university officials said another person reported being sexually assaulted after someone broke into their dormitory.

Neufeldt also addressed a well-documented national pattern. Research by the American Psychological Association has found that 50% of campus sexual assaults occur during what is known as the "Red Zone" — the opening weeks of the academic year, when students new to campus face elevated risk. CSUSM spokesperson Jerry McCormick previously told The California Post: "The first six weeks of the fall semester at universities across the nation are often called the 'Red Zone,' when the risk of campus sexual violence is elevated."

Neufeldt acknowledged the trend directly: "This is not okay," she said, adding that the university was "doubling down" on its efforts.

All CSUSM students are required to complete annual sexual assault training under a program called "Title IX and You, Building a Culture of Care." The course, listed on the university's Title IX website, covers how to recognize and report sexual assault and informs students about resources available both on and off campus.

Source: NY Post Metro