Nationwide, universities fill Homecoming week with events and festivities, but those events can lead to violence on campus. Universities have a legal and ethical obligation to protect students and visitors during Homecoming celebrations.
Homecoming falls during the time of year known as the “Red Zone.” According to the Center for Women and Families, the Red Zone falls between the beginning of the semester and Thanksgiving break when sexual assaults are more likely to occur on campus. An article from the Journal of American College Health found that most sexual assaults happen in the first week of the fall semester. According to the Center, freshmen women are targeted on campus due to perceived vulnerability in unfamiliar areas, reduced guardian supervision and increased risky behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use.
Sexual assault includes unwanted sexual touching, harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence. It is not the victims' fault when they’ve experienced sexual assault on campus, and they are not alone in their recovery. Ohio University’s Survivor Advocacy Program offers on-campus resources and support for student survivors, as well as off-campus and online resources.
According to an article in the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, campuses are more vulnerable to violent crime when campus buildings are open to visitors and various campus events are public. Homecoming events include both of those factors, and when they mix with drinking and fandom, the results can be disastrous.
According to an article in the Violence Against Women journal, women at “party schools” were more likely to be the targets of violence related to intoxicated aggression. OU was once (and to some, still is) considered a “party school.” Even in Niche’s projections for the top party schools in 2025, OU ranks as the 15th party school in the nation, beating out Ohio State University and Miami University. That ranking recognizes that violence against women persists.
Homecoming events also create opportunities for crime through riots and gun violence. In 2003, a riot broke out after the Minnesota State University-Mankato football team lost the Homecoming game. In 1988, a riot broke out at St. Cloud State University during homecoming after students clashed with St. Cloud police. In 2023, five people were wounded by gunfire at Morgan State University after the crowning of homecoming king and queen. Those violent events send an important message: homecoming violence happens unexpectedly. Universities should take steps and regularly communicate crisis action plans to ensure campuses remain safe from gun violence.
Universities are legally obligated to report violent crimes and support survivors. According to the Clery Center, the Clery Act requires universities to report annual security reports and efforts to improve campus safety. Many of the requirements in the Clery Act overlap with Title IX compliance. Under the Clery Act and Title IX, universities are obligated to protect students, particularly women, from violence during homecoming.
University event security should be more visible for large events besides the homecoming game, such as the parade. According to an article in a criminology journal, increased police visibility and community-oriented policing promote feelings of safety and reduce fear of crime, allowing people to engage in social events confidently. Local law enforcement and university security should be physically visible, and crisis plans should be communicated to protect visitors and students better during homecoming.
OU alumni and Bobcats' families flock to campus to celebrate the time and joyful experiences shared during college. Visitors and students alike should be able to celebrate safely without violence.
Taylor Orcutt is a junior studying journalism. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Taylor know by tweeting her @TaylorOrcutt.
