Why is this still a thing?
Northern Michigan University continues to threaten to punish students who discuss suicidal thoughts, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). FIRE cites one NMU student who received a warning after seeking out help for sexual assault. According to RAINN (Rape Abuse & Incest International Network), 80 percent of female college-age victims of sexual violence don't report the attacks to police, with 20 percent of them reportedlynot doing so out of “fear of reprisal.” Fear of expulsion, like in NMU's case, could only increase that percentage.
In the winter of 2015, Katerina Klawes reached out to the NMU’s counseling office after being sexually assaulted the year before. On March 25, 2015 Klawes got an email from Mary Brundage, associate dean of students, in which Klawes was not just discouraged but prohibited from talking about “self-destructive thoughts or actions” with others unless she wanted to face “disciplinary action.”
The email read: “...Engaging [sic] in any discussion of suicidal or self-destructive thoughts or actions with other students interferes with, or can hinder, their pursuit of education and community. It is important that you refrain from discussing these issues with other students and use the appropriate resources listed below. If you involve other students in suicidal or self-destructive thoughts or actions you will face disciplinary action.”