Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides scholars, administrators, leadership, and practitioners with a more holistic understanding of the challenges that higher education institutions face when attempting to prevent sexual violence on campus. It examines the historical production of heterosexist discourse, beginning with a discussion of foundational second wave feminist texts that sought to raise awareness about women's experiences with rape and sexual assault. The book also provides the impact that Dartmouth and Harvard policies, practices, and political nuances have had for the execution of meaningful sexual assault prevention efforts on college campuses nationwide. It concludes with suggestions of some preventative actions to mitigate the likelihood of Title IX cases resulting from athlete-perpetrated sexual assaults and to address factors inherent in college athletics, which are also associated with higher rates of sexual assault.