As a father to a daughter and a son, I am deeply invested in their safety and opportunities. Recent events involving Cornell fraternity members remind me of the importance of safeguarding our children. I am concerned for my daughter’s safety, particularly at colleges that prioritize reputation over student security.
I also think of my son and the vital conversations we have about being a provider and protector. Every student deserves a secure school environment. To address this, I have directed the Maryland Higher Education Commission to develop recommendations to enhance campus sexual assault policies across state institutions.
Justice requires that we dismantle protections for perpetrators of violence on campuses. This must be the starting point, not the end of our actions. Incidents like Cornell’s demonstrate a cultural failure necessitating a reevaluation of the values taught to young men, including how to treat women.
We need better sex education in schools and more fathers willing to discuss difficult topics with their sons. I signed legislation mandating the development of standard procedures on sexual abuse for school systems in Maryland. We are one of 16 states that include consent in sex education.
However, these discussions must also happen at home. Maryland partners with the Parent Encouragement Program to offer courses for fathers on these matters. Such dialogue is often left to mothers or neglected entirely. I was raised by my mother after my father’s early death, but male community involvement was key in my development.
Spaces like sports, military, and fraternity life taught me integrity, service, respect, and empathy. Jane Doe’s allegations against Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity reflect failures opposite to these values. Young men seek belonging, and they must find environments fostering accountability and growth.
In Maryland, we have initiatives like our Service Year Option and Thrive Academy, providing mentorship and practical experience, with engaged adults and comprehensive programs. These efforts address not only in-person communities but also the negative online content influencing young men.
With organizations like Diverting Hate, we work to counter harmful online influences. Maryland is combatting AI crimes with a dedicated task force and expanded laws against AI-generated deepfakes.
Efforts to tackle sexual violence must focus on raising better men, not solely protecting women in institutions. This responsibility lies with policymakers, fathers, teachers, and mentors alike. Our Young Men and Boys Initiative aims to address disparities young males face while also acknowledging how systems have historically failed women.
Improving young men’s prospects and ensuring young women’s safety are interconnected missions. True strength involves protecting others, not dominating them.