Should Universities and Colleges Mandate Sexual Behavior?

Abstract This study at a Canadian university explored students' beliefs about sexual consent policy and sexual consent negotiations. One of the most publicized policies regarding sexual consent was developed by Antioch College in Ohio. Antioch's policy is controversial because it prescribes how sexual consent should be negotiated, including verbal consent at every step of a sexual encounter. There were two parts to this study. Part 1 obtained attitudes regarding this policy using focus group interviews. Part 2 surveyed undergraduate students (N = 514), ranging in age from 18 to 27, using a questionnaire whose items were derived from the qualitative results of Part 1. The majority of participants evaluated the Antioch policy unfavorably, stating problems with enforcement, practicality and personal endorsement. Sexual experience and preferred method of sexual consent negotiation were related to evaluation of the policy; how ever, there were no gender differences.