Southern Miss students gathered on Thursday, March 13, at the Hattiesburg campus to demand a zero-tolerance policy from the university's Title IX Office.
Student Kaitlyn Gooch organized the protest, advocating for stricter Title IX sanctions.
“I decided to stage the protest not only as a woman, but as a human and as a student,” Gooch said. “As a human, I am aware that we can do horrible things to each other. As a student, I want to feel safe, and I want to feel that my school cares about my well-being and others.”
Gooch expressed her belief that current Title IX sanctions should be more severe.
“Many of us feel that Title IX is pointless if they are not willing to give fair punishment,” Gooch said. “Suspension is not enough. The accused should not be able to walk campus and possibly claim another victim. That is why we want a Zero Tolerance Policy Amendment, and that is why I staged this protest.”
Students at the protest held signs calling for the university and Title IX Office to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for those responsible for Title IX violations, prohibiting them from returning to campus.
“I know people personally who have been affected by these policies and the lack of following zero-tolerance,” said a student who requested anonymity. “It is heartbreaking to see things like this happen to people who just want an education.”
The protest featured chants such as “No Tolerance, To the Top,” as students voiced their desire for policy changes.
“I personally have been affected by what’s going on, and I want other people to know that there is someone out there that is supporting them, that is standing with them,” said Madison Wedgeworth, a junior who assisted with safety protocols and helped organize the protest.
Gooch is planning a pre-protest community night on March 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Mercury Pizza Midtown to make posters and signs advocating for the zero-tolerance policy. The protest is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, from 12-2 p.m. at Centennial Green. Students will continue calling for the permanent dismissal of students found responsible for Title IX violations from all USM campuses and properties.
The Southern Miss Student Media Center reached out to the USM Title IX office for comment regarding the protest. That office reiterated that the Title IX process is private and confidential.
