@boysbeware.tulane shuts down after growing popularity
November 17, 2021
In 2021, @boysbeware.tulane an Instagram account became a space for female students to anonymously share their experiences with sexual assault at Tulane University.
On Nov. 17, @boysbeware.tulane disappeared, announcing their departure from the social media platform in a post titled “Thank You” before deleting the account all together.
At the time of its deletion the private account had amassed over 2,000 followers.
“With all of the traction and support that we have gained on this platform, there have also been questions raised about how the account is structured, whether this has been helping or hurting, what kind of implications it has on our community and the exclusion of some victims’ voices” read the farewell post. “To everyone, we want to sincerely apologize if this has been your experience on this account.”
Within hours of @boysbeware.tulane’s final post, a list surfaced naming alleged perpetrators mentioned on the account. Soon after, more names appeared on the list. It is unclear where the list originated nor if its content was verified. The document has since been deleted.
Resources are available for Tulane students who are victims of sexual violence. Contact Sexual Assault Peer Hotline and Education‘s 24/7 Peer Run Hotline at 504-654-9543 if you need help.
Tulane Emergency Medical Services can be reached at 504-865-5911. TEMS is a free, student-run service. In addition, Tulane University Police Department’s non-emergency Uptown number is 504-865-5381.
You can also reach out to Case Management and Victim Support Services at 504-314-2160 and they can offer support and help you file a report.
RAINN: Rape Abuse + Incest National Network provides resources that are LGBTQ+ inclusive and can be reached at 800-656-4673.
Anonymous • Nov 18, 2021 at 5:49 pm
https://www.huschblackwell.com/thoughtleadership/potential-title-ix-liability-for-anonymous-social-media-harassment
WH • Nov 18, 2021 at 8:38 am
Tulane has a no-alcohol policy for students under 21. As you also know, Tulane has a Safety Escort Program run by Tulane Police. This program takes students home at night and makes sure they are safe.
This structure is flawed and leaves vulnerable and inebriated students a set of bad choices: 1) call the Escort Program and be caught drunk by TUPD or 2) walk home alone and put themselves at risk.
William Bume’ • Nov 17, 2021 at 7:46 pm
Wow. Anonymous accusations that accuse students without giving them a chance to defend themselves. Sounds like McCarthy hearings. No presumption of innocence. Vengeful person can put you on the list and ruin your life. This is beyond unfair. Tulane Survivors is a much better site. Let’s people tell their story without naming either party.
FB • Nov 18, 2021 at 1:18 pm
When systems fail to hold perpetrators accountable, there are few options left for women and other vulnerable groups to protect themselves. As such, sharing names amongst themselves in order to know who to avoid may be necessary. Creating a “safe space” for anonymous discussion and support is a step, but it is not nearly enough. This alone will not make the Tulane campus and nearby establishments a safe space for women. This surely does not make frat parties a safe space. But sharing information (in a preventative manner) and holding those accountable who have committed SA could. It is very obvious you value the “presumed innocence” of male perpetrators over the actual safety of women.
William Bume' • Nov 18, 2021 at 3:53 pm
I value “presumed innocence” for all genders. Obvious that you think all that are accused are perpetrators. You are willing to punish anyone accused, including the innocent. I prefer to punish those that are proven guilty. If 5% to 10% of allegations are false (many studies)…..are you ok with punishing those innocents??