An op-ed written by Thomas Lloyd (SFS ‘15) in The Hoya last week about the mishandling of the Milzman ricin incident raised the issue of the unacceptable treatment of Resident Assistant by Georgetown’s Office of Residential Living. In response to Lloyd’s revelations, this Editorial Board called upon university administration to clarify the roles and responsibilities of RAs, particularly in situations involving the law.
Since then, however, the issue has become even more pressing. Last Thursday, the Voice released an exclusively online feature article chronicling serious allegations by past and current RAs of improperly treatment by Res Life. These cases range from general lack of accommodation to unsupportive responses to RAs sexual assaulted by residents, and amount to serious mismanagement by the university.
These latest outrages echo a thematic trend that is fast becoming the new normal in this university’s interaction with its students. From campus construction and the proposed third-year meal plan requirement to the idea of combining student support centers and now the treatment of its RAs, Georgetown has increasingly disregarded students’ needs, wants, and rights. While the GUSA Senate’s passage on Monday of a resolution calling upon Res Life to clarify the boundaries of the RA position and address concerns in their work environment is judicious, it will not restore faith in a bankrupt dialogue between administration and students.
The victimization of RAs serves as a final, unacceptable straw. With allegations as serious as those publicized by this paper, the university and Res Life have a renewed ethical obligation to acknowledge and respond to student criticism—even if only to ensure that their policies accord with the law.
Perhaps most disappointingly, these latest allegations cast aspersions on Georgetown’s otherwise sterling record of treating sexual assault as a serious infraction. In the past, this Editorial Board has praised the university for its proactivity and strong victim-centric support system. However, threats of job termination against RAs for reporting cases of sexual assault or even attempting to talk to media outlets—a First Amendment right—shows that the university’s policies remain retrogressive with respect to its own employees. RAs—many of whom need their position to afford tuition—are some of this campus’ most vital resources, contributing to the Hilltop community by creating a safe and inclusive environment for other students. They deserve more.
As such, Res Life’s duty now becomes manifold: it must not only seriously reconsider the role of RAs but also involve them in a meaningful, productive, and change-oriented dialogue. RAs should not be threatened with job loss or severe punishment for reporting incidents that can jeopardize their own physical or mental health. Every student on this campus, whether or not they are employees of the university, deserves equal respect and justice—especially in matters of sexual assault.
If the administration does not take steps to engage with them, students have a right and obligation to continue voicing their criticisms. It’s time for administrators to start listening to students on all fronts. This publication stands with GUSA and RAs in demanding that the university start changing its policies to fully address student concerns.
