Why I’m not buying a Tufts bumper sticker for my new car

Soon after graduating from Tufts this spring, I got a new (used) car.  During the period of time where I was trying to sell off the old one, I had both cars parked next to each other.  I realized that my new car was missing something that made my old car so readily identifiable and personalized: bumper stickers.

My old car wasn’t exactly covered in bumper stickers, but my new car just looked so naked next to it.  I decided I’d have to replace some of them.

Except one.

I won’t be purchasing another Tufts University bumper sticker, for two related reasons.

First of all, I’m not giving any more money to an institution which knowingly and willingly fails its students by refusing to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable, and by punishing students who attempt to use the purportedly just disciplinary system.  I’m not going to allow my money to fund classes or groups or programs that I have no stake in, while sexual assault prevention, student health and counseling, and a fair judicial system languish.

Secondly, a bumper sticker implies pride in my alma mater.  But I’m not proud to be a Tufts graduate; I’m ashamed.  I’m not going to suggest that prospective students check out Tufts, and I’ll be honest with them about why not.  I’m not going to attend alumni gatherings.  I’m not sure I’ll be attending my reunions.  I’m not going to be displaying my diploma on my wall.  I’m trying to explain to my mother why I won’t consider Tufts graduate programs.  After all, I don’t want to be a Tufts student so long as sexual assault and violence victims are going to be treated like crap.

I’m a sexual assault survivor.  I consider myself lucky that I didn’t ever go through what some of my friends have gone through with the Tufts disciplinary procedure.  I consider Tufts lucky that I graduated shortly after discovering that the sexual assault policy was so pitiful, it might as well have consisted of a blank page.  If I were still at that school?  I’d probably be organizing protests throughout the halls of the administration.

But I do have some power.  I’m not buying that bumper sticker.  If Telefund calls, I’m not giving money.

I’ll contribute money and feel pride in my school when I see that sexual assault is treated like the felony it is, when perpetrators are held accountable (instead of protected lest their lives be the least bit “ruined”), when victims are taken care of (instead of further victimized), when sexual assault prevention groups and programs are well funded and comprehensive, when the judicial process is clear and fair, when information is easily accessible, when experts in the field are in charge instead of prosecutors, and when there is a clear and comprehensive sexual assault policy.

You heard me, Tufts.  When you stop blatantly violating Title IX, maybe I won’t have to hold a grudge.  Until then, I’ve got no pride, no framed diploma, and no bumper sticker.