More than one in four undergraduate women experience rape or sexual assault during college, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). As Staples seniors prepared to leave for college campuses across the country, students in social studies teacher Catherine Schager’s Women in Society class worked to ensure their classmates understood the realities behind that statistic.
The students recently created a display featuring sexual violence reports statistics from colleges commonly attended by Staples graduates, along with reporting information and resources available both on college campuses and at Staples. Installed near Schager’s classroom, the display has quickly drawn attention from students passing through the hallway.
“It’s funny how many people, from the second they hung it up and walked away, immediately [went over to it],” Schager said. “It’s like a magnet.”
It originated as the final activism assignment in Women in Society. According to Avery Michalowski ’26, who helped organize the display, the class was inspired by a similar tapestry created by students years earlier.
“Ms. Schager showed us the tapestry at the start of the semester that was used years ago, and it stuck with us as a class,” Michalowski said. “We decided to revamp it and add even more schools.”
The project highlights data from schools that are frequently attended by Staples students. Among the statistics included are findings that 27.3% of Penn State undergraduates reported experiencing sexual assault in 2022 and 20.2% of Washington University undergraduates reported experiencing sexual assault in 2024. Students also included information for survivors, allies and anyone seeking support through resources available at Staples.
The issue is particularly relevant for graduating seniors because many experts identify the beginning of college as a period of heightened risk. Known as the “red zone,” the first few months of the academic year account for more than half of reported campus sexual assaults, according to PubMed. This semester, the Women in Society class consisted entirely of senior girls preparing to leave for college, which meant the topic felt very relevant.
The display is part of a years-long tradition in the course, which has evolved from a history class examining women’s experiences into one that often inspires student activism. According to Schager, discussions about sexual violence have long been a central part of the course, particularly because many students are preparing to enter college environments where assaults often occur in residence halls, social settings and other familiar spaces.
“It’s not intended to scare people, but to help them understand how much of a problem it is,” Schager said.
The project traces back to earlier efforts by Women in Society students. Several years ago, students organized a screening of “The Hunting Ground,” a documentary examining sexual assault on college campuses. The event included a panel discussion with college professionals and security experts to explore how universities respond to reports of assault. Students have also used the course to research Title IX protections and campus reporting resources.
For Michalowski, one of the most important goals was encouraging students to think critically about safety when choosing and attending a college.
“I think for Staples students it is shocking to see college portrayed in a realistic and truthful way, even if that truth is not positive,” Michalowski said. “Students glorify their dream schools and fail to research this very important aspect of their college experience: safety.”
Schager said one of the most influential examples came from former Staples graduate Eden Schumer, who attended Duke University. After learning about reports of sexual violence on her campus, she founded a student organization dedicated to prevention, education and support for survivors.
For Schager, projects like the current display help students realize they are capable of addressing issues that can often feel overwhelming.
“I always try to impress upon the students: do anything,” Schager said. “Anything you can do is something.”
The display was intentionally put up around the time that Staples seniors were preparing to graduate. Rather than discouraging students from attending particular colleges, organizers hoped to encourage awareness and preparedness before students arrive on a new campus.
“I hope everyone leaving Staples this year, and going forward, is a part of the positive change that makes college campuses a safer place for everyone,” Michalowski said.
By bringing these statistics to one of the school’s busiest hallways, Schager and her students hope that the display serves as a starting point for conversations. For Schager, that awareness is the first step toward change.
“Hopefully,” she said, “these young citizens will challenge the structures in place, and maybe we’ll find a way to make a change.”
