In 2010, members of the Keene State College Men’s Basketball team wrote a letter with the intention of bringing light to the alleged sexual harassment by Eugene “Gino” Vallante.

They indicated they did not know where to send their concerns. In hindsight, the letter could have been sent to men’s basketball head coach Robert Colbert. It could have been sent to Director of Athletics John Ratliff. It could have been sent to former KSC President Helen Giles-Gee. But the letter was never sent.

The lesson in this story is clear: For one group of students at one point in time, KSC did not provide adequate resources for them to voice their concerns.  Four years after that letter was written, as students are bravely coming forward with accounts of Vallante’s alleged behavior in the midst of KSC’s internal investigation, the college has an opportunity to make right of its past wrongs. KSC must provide students with more information about the details of their investigation.

Photo Illustration by Brian Cantore / Photo Editor

We are not asking for a completely public investigation — withholding important information on a sensitive subject like this is understandable — but if that investigation is going to carry into the summer, then the college has an obligation to update students on its progress and key findings. Further, the college has the responsibility to provide resources to students who may have been affected by Vallante’s alleged behavior.

And The Equinox is not alone in addressing this concern. The President of Keene State College, the governor of the State of New Hampshire and the President of The United States have also acknowledged the responsibility of institutions to address sexual misconduct on campuses.

Keene State College President Anne Huot stated in an interview with The Equinox that the college administration has made active attempts to talk with students who may be affected by the allegations and the firing of Vallante.

Huot said the investigation has been a learning experience for college officials “about ways in which policies are interpreted.” Huot indicated this is the time for the college and the USNH system to reflect on existing policies.

Huot suggested a review of policy may strengthen faculty members’ understanding of the procedures already in place for handling reports of harassment. “If there’s something good that can come out of this, I think that’s what it is,” Huot said.

New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan agreed. In a letter obtained by The Equinox to the University System of New Hampshire Chancellor, Todd Leach, dated March 13, Hassan asks for continued, thorough reviews of the University System’s policies.

Hassan wrote, “…I encourage you to direct this investigation to examine more broadly the University System’s policies and procedures for addressing such allegations…”

Furthermore, the governor also added, “….I also encourage you to empower the outside investigators to fully review these recent events and make the findings available to the public.” As the term approaches its end, we want answers, too.

On April 29, the President of The United States announced his NotAlone.gov site to provide guidance in preventing sexual assaults against students.

While The Equinox is encouraged by President Obama’s, Governor Hassan’s and President Huot’s stances on reviewing policies and procedures, these are still just words — until changes are made. Everyone, students and those in authoritative roles at KSC, must know how to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct that jeopardizes the safety and security of students.

There is still much work to be done.

It may only take one person to come forward for others to follow. In order to move forward, victims have to come forward.

First, we must understand that sexual assault happens. It is a crime. There is no excuse for abuse, and there should be no shame or blame placed on victims. The blame should lie on the abuser.

A victim is a victim, regardless of the situation. No judgment should be shown—only compassion. Many take blame and responsibility for what has happened to them during instances they had no say in or intentions of.

Photo Illustration by Brian Cantore / Photo Editor

We are here to tell everyone that it is never the victim’s fault. We must never assume that it is. How could we expect anyone in return to feel comfortable enough telling their stories?

Healing requires conversation. Without justice, violent acts continue. In order for justice to be upheld, discussion needs to happen. Having a difficult talk not only helps that individual, but breaks the chain of abuse for other victims.

Not only has the victim’s body been violated, but his or her faith also betrayed. There are resources out there. One should never feel that there is nowhere or no one to turn to, including Keene State College students.

Throughout the month of April, KSC has participated in Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The various events planned included Breaking the Silence: Sex Abuse & Trafficking, Take Back the Night March and Shout Out Against Sexual Assault. Lastly, Walk-A-Mile in her shoes concludes the mindfulness of the month. Although the campus events come to a close, our attention and support should remain.

Help is always around the corner — through 24-hour hotlines, the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention and the KSC Counseling Center. If you have been sexually assaulted it is important to go to a safe location. The more we break down the stigma that surrounds reporting abuse, the quicker we begin helping others and healing ourselves. We must listen to what they have to say, believe they are telling the truth, respect their feelings, remember it’s not their fault and recognize that person’s courage for sharing their story.

Sexual harassment can go unreported for a long time, as The Equinox reported in an earlier issue, “Voices end the silence,” covering allegations against former Night Owl Cafe manager Eugene “Gino” Vallante. Each submission to unwanted attention proves that we must enforce breaking the silence and justify this injustice.

Speak up, shout out, tell someone. It’s time to talk. Vow to help end sexual abuse. It’s not only crucial to tell someone, but it’s necessary to keep telling those around you until someone believes you. We choose to believe, even if no one else will listen. Many times, abuse can be swept under the rug and disregarded in family households.

Listen and pick up on the signs—we must not let victims go unnoticed. Everyone deserves to feel safe, to feel free from pain and free from terror. We must not let those who abuse win. Everyone needs to play a role in preventing violence.

Shout out for every woman and man that has ever been sexually abused. Shout out for those who have been hurt but continue to fight instead of giving up. Walk a mile in her shoes, walk a mile in his shoes, be considerate and acknowledge that these are stories that need to be heard. Do as much as you can to protect yourself. Be aware and careful of who you trust and be conscious of your surroundings. People should not be cast as victims of sexual abuse, but recognized as survivors of sexual abuse.

In December, 2013, the Keene State College commencement policy was revised, changing the amount of credits necessary to walk on commencement day, in order to prevent students walking who may never return to finish their degree. The Equinox agrees with this alteration.

According to KSC’s Registrar’s Office, a student must have no more than 16 credits left to complete after their spring semester is finished in order to walk that May. The credits remaining would have to be finished the following summer and/or fall. Students must submit an intent to graduate form, which will evaluate if they are eligible to walk.  On Saturday, May 10, 2014, 987 students are anticipated to walk in graduation. Out of those students, 812 completed their credits last December or plan to this coming May. This means 175 students who are eligible to walk will have to return to finish their incomplete credits.

Brittany Murphy / Opinions Editor

Although no student receives his or her actual diploma on graduation day, it is still necessary for credits to be completed or in progress. It is also noted on the commencement program whether credits still need to be earned—those who have earned all their credits are recognized as so. Walking with one’s classmates is significant, yet if a plan to make those 16 or less is not met, those students should not be able to walk. We understand that circumstances arise when semesters pass that cause students to fall behind. Nonetheless, 16 credits provides a realistic framework for students to perform in. Students work hard to get to graduation. They deserve to be surrounded by fellow students who have put in an equal amount of work. It is unfair for those students who have not met the 16 credit requirements by the college to strut on stage in a cap and gown, especially when a few never return to finish their last classes. We applaud those students who will be graduating in less than three months. Earning a college degree takes dedication and discipline.

There will be some students disappointed that they do not meet the requirements in order to walk, but it is important to remember that walking across the stage commemorates the effort the individual has put in.

Last week, Keene State College hosted it’s Eighth Biennial Symposium, focusing on the concept of “Evolving Commons,” although many students did not understand the purpose behind these conferences or what a commons even represented.

According to the KSC website, “Finding Your Place in the Evolving Commons is about understanding, locating and taking responsibility for our places in the public spaces we set aside for the care and cultivation of the resources, public and private, that we share in partnership with others. The commons refers to this space, recognizing that its reality is often rooted in but not limited to physical locality and literal presence.”

Therefore, throughout the week, students were able to write on a chalkboard outside the Media Arts Center geared toward the event while answering the question, “What do we owe each other?” A few responses were highly inappropriate and reflected poorly on the students’ knowledge of the events. Once again, our reputation has been questioned. One side of the chalkboard read, “I love meth.” How can we regain our good reputation when such a comment greeted all who stepped foot on the college campus, especially when the concept of a commons includes every one of us as students, faculty and guests?

Brittany Murphy / Opinions Editor: The sign in front of the Media Arts Center, where students answer the question “What do we owe each other?” in chalk responses.

Many important and influential people attended and presented during the symposium. The first event included keynote speaker, Deputy Superintendent Colm Lydon of the City of Boston Police Department. Few people attended and nearly none of them were students. The Equinox finds that this contradicts the Boston pride reaction shown last April over the marathon bombing and last week over a baseball game.

While many students were at fault for the low turnout, we agree that the events could have been better promoted through classes and on campus. We should all be aware of what is happening on the KSC campus, especially since the planning for the week of symposium conferences started two years ago.

More importantly, the college spent a great deal of money planning and executing each conference activity. Students are paying the bill here, however many are not taking advantage of what the college is offering them. Planned events should be more successful with the students on campus.

Participation is the key in spreading the knowledge from these events. Themes such as the conflict in Syria to the New Hampshire Death Penalty to an Ethiopian Music Workshop all tied back to the main purpose of understanding and taking responsibility for our places and ideas.

The message behind The Evolving Commons needs to be heard. As a KSC commons—a space we all gather—we have the responsibility to talk about these issues and ideas that concern us. Although it may be easier to ignore, it is crucial to start understanding the world that exists in front of us.

Above all, college-aged students hold a great deal of strength in stating what we believe is right and wrong. Our voices need to be heard, but first we must begin discussing ideas with those around us. The overall purpose of the symposium was to find our place in the evolving commons.

Just as this campus evolves, we must evolve. This evolvement starts with changing our reputation, and then we need to share, create and explore these resources that the college has given us.

When the Boston Red Sox won the World Series Championships in 2004, 2007 and last week, riots occurred on and off the Keene State College campus following each win. The poor sportsmanship displayed last week is not unfamiliar to KSC. We wonder why this behavior continues.

The Equinox reported a female student was injured by a rock thrown at her head. In another incident, a student’s car was flipped by rioters where a student then smashed the windshield. The Keene Police Department used pepper spray amidst the crowds. This behavior has created a poor public image for the college and many students remain embarrassed. We believe that the injuries and damage that came about after the win tarnished proper celebratory conduct and our core values.

We once again reiterate that the majority of students understand how to respect one another, but disrespect was shown when students vandalized fellow classmates’ property. Last week, there were moments of violence and disruption during Pumpkin Fest, taking away the true meaning of the event. We feel this was again the case as students “celebrated” the World Series win.

Even though Plymouth State University and the University of New Hampshire experienced similar issues with students rioting after the baseball game, our focus remains on the Keene State image.

The Equinox recognizes that the activity of a few students can misrepresent the student population. We think we need to redeem our reputation.

President Anne Huot said in an email addressing students, “We are a part of a close-knit community here in Keene, and as such, you have a responsibility to participate in this community in a peaceful, positive way. There is no place here for people who injure others or destroy property.”

Again, The Equinox concurs. It is one thing to express excitement for a New England team, but it is another when students are being disruptive for no reason. We should use our excitement and put our energy into something positive. KSC is better than this. Students know better than to do this.

The Equinox does credit those who organized the free ice-cream event for attempting to allow students to celebrate responsibly outside the L.P. Young Student Center. Despite these efforts, KPD officers reported that over 1,000 students gathered on the lawn where they proceeded to vandalize property. Students took advantage of a controlled space offered to them by throwing ice-cream into the air and flipping tables.

New Hampshire state troopers, KPD officers and Campus Safety officers were all present and attempted to keep behavior under control. The chorus lyrics in the popular song (commonly affiliated with the Red Sox) Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond echo, “Good times never seemed so good.”

However, times were not good once the celebration turned into destruction. We should move on from these actions and show our support of safer celebrations for the next World Series, thus showing stronger sportsmanship at KSC.