A student at the University of Utah, Lauren McCluskey began receiving threatening messages from her ex-boyfriend in the fall of 2018. For nearly three weeks, concerned for her safety, she reported this harassment to campus police again and again. Today’s episode is about the deadly cost of warnings ignored—and what happens when the people we trust to protect us fail to take action.
Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and suicide. A full transcript of this episode is available here.
“Steve C. Wilson | University of Utah via Associated Press. This Aug. 21, 2018, photo shows Lauren McCluskey, a member of the University of Utah cross country and track and field team.”
Jill (left) and Matt (right) McCluskey
“(Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office via Associated Press) This undated photo Melvin Rowland, who authorities say shot and killed University of Utah student and track athlete Lauren McCluskey.”
“From a memorial album presented to Jill and Matt McCluskey after Lauren McCluskey’s death by University of Utah Athletics. | Courtesy Jill and Matt McCluskey.”
Lauren’s Yearbook
“(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) University of Utah President Ruth V. Watkins speaks at a news conference presenting the findings of a review of the Lauren McCluskey case, in Salt Lake City on Wednesday Dec. 19, 2018. John T. Nielsen at right.”
Action Items Related to Today’s Episode:
One thing that really struck me about today’s story was Lauren’s parents, Jill and Matt McCluskey, and their commitment to advocating for students just like Lauren, all across the country. In her honor, they founded the Lauren McCluskey Foundation, whose mission is “to let Lauren’s light shine by supporting her passions, including animal welfare, amateur athletics, and by making campuses across the country a place where students are safe, supported, and have the ability to thrive.” The Lauren McCluskey Foundation has launched several campus safety initiatives across the country and has made great strides in recent years. On their website, they offer advocates and allies a few key resources, including a Student Toolkit for those who’d like to push for change and create a culture of safety on their own campuses. Much of this work is centered around Lauren’s Promise, a simple pledge that says: “I WILL LISTEN AND BELIEVE YOU IF SOMEONE IS THREATENING YOU.” You can make Lauren’s Promise, learn how to volunteer, and donate to support this important work at laurenmccluskey.org.
