Brenda Tracy has been a key figure in developing sexual assault policies in higher education, especially in college sports.
After experiencing gang rape as a survivor, she started “Set The Expectation”, a group focused on getting men involved in stopping sexual violence.
Her work led to “The Tracy Rule”, a strict policy that makes sure athletes and coaches are held accountable for their actions, ensuring schools take a strong stand against sexual violence.
Brenda Tracy has worked with the NCAA to get more schools to follow a policy that checks athletes’ backgrounds for sexual violence.
She has also spoken to thousands of student-athletes, promoting respect and consent and pushing for laws that better protect survivors. Tracy’s hard work is making a difference in how colleges handle sexual assault.
Brenda Tracy’s Personal Journey
The gang rape incident in 1998 had a significant impact in Brenda Tracy’s life. She spent years with depression and PTSD even after becoming a victim and seeking medical assistance. Feeling frustrated and defeated by the legal system, she couldn’t stop feeling shame.
However, in 2014, she stepped forward and testified which made her want to stand up for sexual violence survivors and advocated for better handling of the matter especially in sports organizations.
Another one from the same industry is a nonprofit dedicated to changing the attitudes of athletes and coaches for the better – her Set The Expectation does just that, based on direct experience.
The Birth of “Set The Expectation”
Brenda Tracy’s group, “Set The Expectation”, works to stop sexual violence by getting men and boys involved.
They focus on creating a respectful and responsible culture, especially among young men, like student-athletes, to reject sexual assault and violence.
Brenda Tracy uses teaching, workshops, and speaking to challenge bad ideas about masculinity and support healthy relationships.
The movement has grown, with many schools adopting a pledge that student-athletes promise to support consent and respect.
This effort not only helps men become allies in stopping sexual violence but also supports survivors and encourages everyone to work together for change.
Engaging Student-Athletes
Student athletes have a lot of influence in college They need to be included while trying to make the necessary changes because they can help to change their teammates.
Brenda Tracy’s group, “Set The Expectation”, employs various strategies of engaging athletes and coaches for change with emphasis on respect and responsibility.
This is done through drama plays or any activities like workshops and seminars that aims to enhance the athletes’ knowledge on issues concerning consent, sexual and relationship violence as well as how to intervene for the sake of preventing a wrongful act on someone.
These session have been trained by Tracy at many colleges where she tells her story and the topic of bad behaviors and attitudes in sports is opened.
Changing the Culture in College Sports
Toxic masculinity is a widespread problem in sports, where traditional views of what it means to be a man often encourage aggression, control, and hiding emotions in male athletes.
This idea pushes athletes to act in overly macho ways, which can lead to negative feelings towards being vulnerable and respecting others, especially women.
Brenda Tracy tackles these problems by speaking out against toxic masculinity and working to change it.
She highlights the need for taking responsibility and changing the way coaches and athletes see masculinity, suggesting that it should be viewed in a healthier light.
Programs that have followed her ideas, like universities offering workshops on consent and respect, show how successful efforts can lead to a more supportive and respectful sports environment.
Educational Programs and Resources
Brenda Tracy helps athletes by giving them detailed materials that teach them about consent and healthy relationships.
These materials help athletes understand why consent is important in all their interactions.
The programs include workshops and seminars where athletes talk about respect, responsibility, and how their actions affect others.
Many athletes say these programs have changed them, making them more aware and dedicated to creating a respectful environment in their teams and communities.
These educational activities also support a larger goal of stopping sexual violence in sports.
Collaborating with Colleges and Universities
The group by the name ‘set the expectation’ popularly led by Brenda Tracy has collaborated closely with many college campuses to fight and eradicate the vice.
For example, the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska recently committed themselves to protect their students’ interests through signing the “Set The Expectation” pledge.
This has greatly helped in transforming school cultures since there new policies and programs about consent as well as healthy relationships.
This aims at trying to reduce insecurity in schools, reducing on cases of sexual violence and encouraging students to act as agents of change in their respective societies.
Advocacy Beyond the Field
Brenda Tracy works to fight sexual violence not just in sports but also in the community.
Her group, “Set The Expectation”, works with different groups like college fraternities and companies to teach about consent and respect, aiming for a better understanding of these issues.
They focus on teaching people about healthy relationships and how to help others, creating more support for those who have been affected.
Talking openly about sexual violence and changing cultural beliefs is key to making a difference.
Tracy’s work helps everyone understand they have a role in stopping sexual violence, leading to a more caring and knowledgeable community.
Legislative Advocacy
Brenda Tracy played a key role in changing laws and policies about sexual assault in colleges, pushing for big changes that focus on protecting survivors.
She helped create the “Tracy Rule”, which says that student-athletes can’t play if they’ve been found guilty of serious wrongdoings.
This rule was first used at the University of Texas at San Antonio, showing other schools it’s possible.
Making laws that help survivors is important because they make sure people who do wrong are held responsible and make campuses safer.
Tracy’s work led to the NCAA making a rule that all schools must check athletes’ backgrounds for any history of sexual violence.
Challenges Faced in Advocacy
Brenda Tracy has faced many obstacles in her fight against sexual violence, especially in sports.
Despite her efforts, she has met pushback from some groups who are resistant to change, especially those who worry about upsetting the current power structure.
Brenda Tracy tackles these issues by encouraging open conversations, forming partnerships with supportive leaders, and showcasing the success of her programs.
She believes that educating and engaging people can change the sports culture for the better, benefiting everyone involved.
Media Engagement and Public Speaking
Brenda Tracy’s choice to talk about her experience with sexual violence through different media has been key in spreading awareness and pushing for change.
Tracy has spoken to thousands of athletes, coaches, and others, using her platform to emphasize that men need to help stop sexual violence.
The media attention she’s received has made her message even more powerful, highlighting the problems of sexual assault and the need for changes in sports and education.
Brenda Tracy’s strong push for victims of sexual violence has sparked an important movement, changing deep cultural habits and motivating big changes. Her work supports victims to speak up and helps communities talk more about respect and responsibility.