Advancing Sexual Consent and Agential Practices in Higher Education: Toward a New Community of Practice

This book provides an in-depth exploration of sexual consent communication and negotiation practices among students and efforts to prevent and respond to sexual coercion and violence within the context of North American higher education institutions.

Delving into the complexities of communication around sexual consent, it examines how factors such as identity, early learning experiences, societal norms, and coercive elements influence interactions among young adult postsecondary students. It emphasizes the importance of agency in intimate settings and how this is shaped by these factors. The methodology employed in this decade-long research is innovative and interview-based, providing a rich narrative from student perspectives. These narratives serve to highlight the intricate interplay between individual agency and societal expectations in intimate situations. The book also incorporates valuable insights from other experts in the field. These contributions serve to contextualize the study’s findings within the broader theoretical framework and research on the subject. This approach not only enriches the descriptions of the study but also provides a more holistic understanding of the topic. As such, the book ultimately helps to inform educational policies and professional practices to promote sexual agency and address pressing issues such as sexual coercion, violence, and assault on campus.

This volume will appeal to researchers and stakeholders in higher education, including educators, upper-level students, professional practitioners, and parents. In doing so, it contributes to the conversation around creating a safer and more respectful environment in higher education institutions.

Jason A. Laker, PhD, is Professor of Higher Education, Student Affairs, and Community Development and Chair of the Department of Counselor Education at San José State University, where he previously served as Vice President for Student Affairs.

Erica M. Boas, PhD, is a mother, independent researcher on sexuality, race, and education, and former elementary school teacher. The main objective of her research is to inform new approaches toward the elimination of various forms of gender and sexual violence in and out of schools.