Stanford University drops term survivor from sexual assault cases

Stanford University has decided to stop using the word survivor in sexual assault cases, according to the New York Post. The university made the change to remain neutral, stating that the term implies bias toward the accuser. The policy change has sparked outrage among students on campus. [1]

The New York Post reported that the university is also renaming its Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education office, known as SHARE. The department will now be called the Title IX and Title VI Office. According to The Stanford Daily, student Pelagia Martin, who said she was a victim of sexual assault, resigned from her SHARE role after the office replaced the term survivor with impacted student. [1]

The Stanford Daily reported that students criticized the university over its actions during a recent Take Back the Night rally on campus. The event was held without official university affiliation following the recent administrative decisions. [3]

Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It was founded in 1885 by former California governor and railroad executive Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane, in memory of their son, Leland Stanford Jr. [6][7]