Is It Rape or Consent? College Men Just Don’t Know

Highlights: Public health relevance—How does this work relate to a public health issue? It has been recognized that sexual violence and misconduct present a major public health crisis on college campuses. Data indicate that women and LGBTQ+ undergraduates are at greater risk for sexual assault and rape than their cisgender male peers. This manuscript adds to literature that broadens the focus of campus sexual violence prevention by examining underlying social and environmental factors that contribute to campus dynamics related to sexual assault and rape. The literature indicates that it is important to consider emerging patterns in the understanding of consent by gender and sexual orientation in colleges’ efforts to address campus safety. This study sought to assess understanding of sexual consent among college students overall, and particularly among those most likely to commit sexual assault, namely cisgender heterosexual men. Public health significance—Why is this work of significance to public health? This study provides support for a large and growing body of evidence suggesting that current practices about when, what, and for whom sexual assault prevention education is needed should be revisited. Public health implications—What are the key implications or messages for practitioners, policy makers and/or researchers in public health? The results from this survey underscore the need for more comprehensive, gender-transformative education on consent. To reduce sexual assault, consent education including targeted strategies are necessary to engage cisgender heterosexual men in these discussions. Introduction: Women and LGBTQ+ undergraduates face higher rates of sexual assault and rape compared to cisgender male peers—the overwhelming majority of perpetrators. Federal policies have aimed to curb campus sexual violence, yet questions remain about the efficacy of consent education, particularly among cisgender heterosexual men. Methods: This study surveyed 1567 undergraduate students at a large Northeastern public university in 2017 and 2022. Responses to a nine-item consent scale were analyzed by gender, sexuality, and demographic factors. Results: Cisgender heterosexual (cis-het) men had poorer understanding of consent compared to women and LGBTQ+ students, both in 2017 and 2022. Cis-het men’s consent scores showed no improvement, and for some items worsened from 2017 to 2022, while other groups showed significant improvements in recognizing the nuances of consent. Conclusions: Findings suggest that, despite increased focus on sexual assault prevention and social awareness campaigns like #MeToo, cisgender heterosexual men’s understanding of consent has not improved, highlighting the persistent challenge in shifting deeply ingrained beliefs about consent. Educational efforts should address these beliefs more directly, focusing on transforming societal norms around masculinity and sexual entitlement. Policy Implications: These results underscore the need for more comprehensive, gender-transformative education on consent. Current programs primarily focus on victims rather than perpetrators, which fails to address the root causes of sexual violence. To reduce sexual assault, consent education, delivered K-12 and in higher education, must consistently challenge harmful gender norms and promote equitable relationships. More targeted strategies are necessary to engage cisgender heterosexual men in these discussions.