<p>I attended Amherst College for the first time this year in the midst of all of these sexual assault scandals. In that time, I have seen the students rally together to create change in the culture. Rape, particularly rape of females, is less of an Amherst College problem and more of a cultural issue in the United States. The statistics indicate that it is common and often results in being unreported in the entire country, not Amherst College. I have never once felt unsafe on campus, nor have any of the friends that I’ve talked to about this. It isn’t as if there are masked rapists running around campus. The victims of rape at Amherst tend to put themselves in situations where they are more at risk, where they are intoxicated and alone with another intoxicated person. I am not blaming them, but it’s extremely unlikely for two sober people to rape/be raped on campus. If this concerns a student, the student should either refrain from drinking or have a buddy system in which friends keep track of one another.</p>
<p>The administration has taken many steps to combat the way they handle these types of situations. I have not heard any feedback yet, as I haven’t heard of anyone reporting a rape. However, if you’re looking for a school that’s willing to face the real issues then I’d suggest Amherst. From what students from other elite institutions have been saying, their administration’s policies are not much different. If you’re concerned about rape (and you should be), I’d suggest working to change the culture of the United States, not Amherst College. There are always people looking out for you in the community - Campus Police, administrators, and, most importantly, other students. Believe what you choose to, but the policies and protocol may not be much different from Amherst College. If they are, then you have yourself a great institution. However, Amherst College is home to some of the happiest students I’ve ever met.</p>