The topic of sexual misconduct is all over the media right now.
Recent headlines about our senators distancing themselves from fellow Republican Roy Moore; or allegations against Louis CK and his admission; or the “debate” about evolving standards at the University of Utah with regard to sexual agency and consent; or, the further back, Harvey Weinstein and the #metoo hashtag; or the year before, with the release of the now infamous Access Hollywood tape.
Media everywhere (print, online, radio, social) are talking about sexual misconduct but very few media sources are talking about healthy sexual conduct.
It’s time to talk about it, early and often, and in schools.
Half of Utah’s 10 largest universities are currently under federal investigation for violating Title IX. Obviously, Utah is doing too little too late.
We need to engage in more conversations about healthy sexuality, and empower our youth to have private conversations with their parents, teachers, partners and peers to check in about what is appropriate and what is inappropriate, frequently and without shame.
The fact that boys and men push the misconduct envelope, and make poor decision after poor decision, and have no one tell them it’s not OK until they get “caught” is upsetting.
I want a better world for my daughter. I want her to be able to feel safe saying “no” or “that’s not OK” or acknowledging power differentials, and to know that if she says “yes,” it’s on her terms and not because she has been socialized to remain silent.
Jessica Sanders, Salt Lake City