SGA discusses sexual violence resources and reporting with OIE
The Johns Hopkins News-Letter · October 6, 2026
On Tuesday, Oct. 6 The 114th Student Government Association convened for their weekly general body meeting.
This week’s meeting began with a presentation from The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) and Vice Provost Rachel Hernandez about sexual misconduct policies at Hopkins and reporting to OIE. She emphasized that the meeting would be one of several conversations with student organizations and leadership groups throughout the month.
Representatives from the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) outlined how the office receives reports and conducts intake and risk assessments. Reports can come directly from individuals, through responsible employees or through online submissions, including anonymous reports.
Administrators spoke on how outreaches center on giving information about a survivor's options, confidential resources and supportive measures. Further, reporters or victims are not required to speak with OIE or press formal charges to get any form of desired assistance. Supportive measures mentioned by OIE in their presentation included academic accommodations, such as assignment extensions or excused absences, alongside adjustments intended to help students feel safer on campus.
Following OIE’s presentation, representatives from Public Safety and the Johns Hopkins Police Department spoke about their roles in supporting survivors of sexual crimes. They emphasized the importance of minimizing further trauma, protecting privacy and clarifying available options without pressuring individuals towards a certain path.
Multiple attendees raised questions and concerns for administrators. One student asked whether recent news of alleged sexual misconduct at Cornell University would lead to changes in OIE’s procedure for supporting victims and pursuing investigation in cases of sexual violence. Administrators responded that they always reflect on and update policies to reflect legal attitudes, lessons from other investigations and evolving student needs. A member of the public raised his hand to express frustration about the early mention of Blue Jay Safety Month before other resources in Friday’s University broadcast message about sexual assault resources, stating that he felt the placement was dismissive of the reality of sexual violence. Vice Provost Hernandez explained that the month’s programming included important prevention training and education while assuring the student that the placement was not meant to be facetious.
Following the departure of the University administration from the room, the discussion between SGA concerning campus safety and prevention of sexual violence continued. Many members of SGA stated frustration at the fact that the measures taken by the University had failed to consider the issue of accountability and the culture among the students in Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) and Athletics.
Secretary Honora Muratori argued that online prevention training is rarely taken seriously by students and is not effective in curbing sexual violence in college campuses. She urged SGA to advocate for in-person training, particularly for students in athletics or FSL. Civic Engagement Chair Jackson Morris encouraged senators to gather student feedback before returning to administrators. He further argued that SGA must ask difficult questions about cultural and organizational norms that promote sexual violence, such as hazing rituals and fraternity culture.
Following this, there was a swearing-in ceremony of newly elected members of the Class of 2030 as well as an SGA Advisor. For cabinet reports, Student Body President Jason identified three objectives of the year: engagement, student experience and school spirit.
Lastly, senators discussed funding bills related to nutrition education, sexual assault education and a photo shoot/networking event for Black students. Black Caucus Senator Oluwanifemi Ajayi proposed an initiative aiming to bring Black students together and launch an Instagram page to highlight the achievements of Black students, organizations and faculty at Hopkins. The SGA deferred the selection of the Senator of the Month for next week.