Advocating alternatives to mandatory reporting of college sexual assault: Reply to Newins (2018)

Abstract

Our recent article "Compelled Disclosure of College Sexual Assault" examines college and university policies requiring most, if not all, employees to report student disclosures of sexual assault to university authorities, with or without student consent. We provided evidence that these mandatory reporting policies have become ubiquitous in American higher education, despite limited evidence of their safety or efficacy. Commenting on our article, Newins offers helpful advice for psychologists navigating the role of "responsible employee," such as seeking out information about their campus policy for reporting sexual assault disclosures and informing students of reporting mandates. The comment concludes with a call for researchers to investigate the many questions that remain unanswered about these policies. We agree with Newins's recommendations and, in this reply, encourage psychologists to push the envelope further. In addition to better understanding and managing reporting responsibilities, psychologists should advocate for policies that respect survivor autonomy, dignity, and right to self-determination. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).