Spelman and Morehouse, and the School of Medicine Issue Urgent Message Amid Mounting Sexual Misconduct Concerns

As sexual misconduct allegations spark outrage across social media, three top HBCU institutions—Spelman College, Morehouse College, and the Morehouse School of Medicine—have joined forces to release an urgent statement. Addressing mounting student safety concerns, school officials pledged an unwavering commitment to hold offenders accountable and maintain a secure campus environment for students.

“Our institutions stand together in our commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment across the entire Atlanta University Center,” the HBCUs said in a Oct. 15 statement, as reported by Channel 2 Action News. “We take all reports regarding sexual misconduct seriously, and we remain dedicated to the safety and well-being of every student. Sexual misconduct, nonconsensual behavior, online harassment and cyberbullying have absolutely no place on our campuses. The safety, physical well-being, and dignity of our students are paramount.”

According to 11 Alive, college leadership also reaffirmed that each institution will carry out prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations grounded in federal Title IX regulations. Title IX—the statute prohibiting sex discrimination at any educational institution receiving federal funds—requires universities to respond immediately to reports of sexual assault, harassment, or retaliation. Under these regulations, schools must provide impartial investigations, supportive accommodations for survivors, and strict disciplinary measures if violations are found.

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The rare joint statement comes at a crucial tipping point for higher education nationwide. Data from RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) highlights a staggering reality: approximately 21% of undergraduate women nationwide—more than one in five—endure sexual assault or nonconsensual sexual contact while earning their degree.

Despite that troubling statistic, over 80% of sexual misconduct incidents go unreported, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Why? Systemic distrust or fear of retaliation. As a united front, Spelman, Morehouse, and MSM are attempting to shatter that culture of silence in the Atlanta University Center, as approximately 9.7% to 14.2% of undergraduate women at HBCUs report experiencing a completed or attempted sexual assault since entering college, per NIH.

Spelman, Morehouse, and MSM’s October 2026 statement is another chapter in a decade-long reckoning. The surge in public outrage traces straight back to the viral #RapedAtSpelman Twitter campaign in May 2016, where anonymous students shared allegations of sexual violence, NBC News reported.

“I don’t want to be at a school that does not make me feel safe and wants to silence me,” a post from the account read, according to NBC News. “Spelman has taught me to be a free-thinking woman and also to be a woman who has to keep her mouth closed to protect her ‘brothers.’”

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, the president of Spelman at the time, encouraged the voice behind the @RapedAtSpelman account to come forward. “Our hearts go out to you… Please identify yourself to me, so that I may offer you my full support and assistance,” Dr. Campbell urged, per NBC News.

As students and campus advocates continue to demand transparency, leadership is urging anyone affected by harassment, assault, or misconduct to come forward. To support survivors and maintain accountability across the Atlanta University Center, the institutions have highlighted confidential counseling, public safety offices, and Title IX resources for immediate help.