California university 'rocked' by four consecutive sexual assaults

Four sexual assaults on the California State University San Marcos campus within the first three weeks of the new academic year have left many female students fearful.

Jerry McCormick, a university spokesperson, confirmed the information with the California Post on 22/9. The incidents occurred between approximately 5/9 and 18/9, with two of them taking place in the same residential building, The Quad.

Authorities believe that the four incidents are unrelated; however, in each case, the individuals involved were acquainted.

"Sexual assault is never acceptable, and the fault never lies with the victim. Consent must be voluntary, active, and ongoing," McCormick emphasized in a statement. He also affirmed that consent cannot be assumed simply because the parties knew each other beforehand.

The university disseminated the news to all students, faculty, and staff through its safety alert system. This is a mandatory requirement under federal safety laws, which oblige higher education institutions to promptly warn about certain types of crimes that could endanger the university community.

"We want students who experience sexual violence to feel supported when they come forward to report it," the university spokesperson added.

California State University San Marcos is currently releasing limited information to protect the privacy of those involved. The university's security department's crime log has not yet recorded any arrests.

The four consecutive incidents have heightened concerns about sexual violence among the university's female student population. One student initiated a petition drive, requesting that the university increase security personnel in poorly lit areas and parking lots, especially in The Quad residential building. The petition also demands "complete transparency" regarding the administration's handling of the situation.

"As women, we have the right to study in a safe, equal environment, like any other student," the female student wrote in the petition. She stated that she and several friends had contacted the Vice President of Campus Security but had not yet received a response.

In a response to NBC 7, the university stated that it is implementing measures to enhance safety, including increasing police patrols, deploying additional overnight security staff, and requiring students to use key cards or keys for access to all residential buildings.

The incidents occurred during the "Red Zone", a period when sexual assaults typically increase at US universities, lasting the first six weeks of the fall semester, according to McCormick. He stated that California State University San Marcos consistently educates students about consent and sexual assault prevention before they enroll and continues this throughout the academic year.

However, the student petition argues that education and preventive measures are insufficient and calls on the administration to be more proactive in preventing violence.

"We should not have to bear the entire responsibility, to be overly cautious simply because of the depraved actions of other students," the petition states.

California State University San Marcos is one of 23 institutions within the California State University (CSU) system. The university has nearly 16,000 undergraduate students, according to last year's US News data.