In a Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality seminar, Gender and Violence, taught by Professor Carrie Baker during the fall of 2024, a discussion on self-defense classes highlighted the availability — or lack thereof — of such resources at Smith. As early as the turn of the twentieth century, self-defense, particularly physical training, emerged as a means of personal and political empowerment for women. Nevertheless, concerns about safety continued to raise questions within higher education institutions. According to the CDC, “one in five women experienced attempted sexual assault” after entering college.
Though Smith has long been regarded as a safe campus, concerns have persisted. On Jan. 10, 2024, Haven/Wesley experienced a break-in. In a follow-up email to students, Julianne Ohotnicky, Associate Vice President for Campus Life/Dean of Students, reported that “a non-Smith community member entered Haven House via an unlocked window in the first floor bathroom and then accessed a student’s room.”
The student reacted immediately by texting 911, and Campus Safety and the Northampton Police Department responded quickly. However, the incident raised awareness of the potential threats college students often face, particularly for those who, like me, lived on the first floor at the time. I still wonder what I could do to protect myself, especially each time I hear noises near any entrance. Like many other students hearing the news, I find myself feeling unsafe.
The incident also raised the question: what training, if any, should colleges and universities provide students to prepare for such circumstances? The Exercise & Sport Studies department at Smith lists self-defense and martial arts, such as Kung Fu, as elective performance courses focusing on “mind-body.” These courses, however, have not appeared in the course catalog since the spring of 2020. Smith also requires newly enrolled students to complete an online training course called “Sexual Violence Prevention” under Title IX. Nevertheless, like many other video-based programs, this training delivers information in long, monotone lectures, failing to convey information effectively.. When reflecting on Smith’s initiative for self-defense, it is hardly a success. When I try to identify available resources, I struggle to find even the simplest option: scheduling a self-defense course on campus.
At some colleges and universities in Massachusetts, including Mount Holyoke College and Hampshire College, the Resisting Aggression with Defense (RAD) Basic Physical Defense System courses are available as either courses for credit or self-scheduled sessions. These courses teach students basic self-defense tactics, including yelling, movement, blocking, striking and kicking. The RAD system is not a martial arts class, but a comprehensive program that helps students build a strong foundation of awareness, risk reduction and avoidance strategies. Founded in 1989, The RAD system for women and children is currently taught at nearly 400 colleges, universities, rape crisis centers, municipal, state and county law enforcement agencies. Smith is not on the list.
Regardless of the level of campus safety and security, colleges need to provide practical physical and mental training to help students understand their options for self-protection and how to “fight back” in real confrontations. Self-defense courses should not be limited to classroom walls or discussions among students. Smith or student-led organizations can do better at sparking conversations on this topic through various gatherings and marking the learning process more engaging. Students deserve a strong sense of community and a safe space to connect and find support. In an ideal future, no fear will cast a shadow over any student on campus when everyone has the opportunity to learn how to defend themselves.
