Mandatory University Trainings Support “Sexting”

The University of Notre Dame’s annual “Violence Prevention” module has taken a noticeable turn this year, prompting concern from students who say the content conflicts with the institution’s Catholic identity.

In previous years, the training focused primarily on emergency preparedness, including the “run, hide, fight” protocol to active‑violence situations. This year features an additional course alongside the annual Active Violence Preparedness course, titled “Sexual Violence and Misconduct: Supporting Ourselves and Our Community,” which centers on sexual misconduct, consent, and interpersonal behavior. The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) told the Rover, “The University is dedicated to caring for students and their needs in the context of our Catholic mission.”

But Catholic students have expressed concern about portions of the training they believe conflict with Catholic teaching, particularly a section addressing “digital intimacy.” The module describes “sexting” as “sending and sharing intimate content” and presents it as “a common part of modern relationships.” The training goes on to list what it calls “positive reasons” some individuals engage in digital intimacy, including “sexual exploration and expression,” “casual flirting and fun,” and maintaining connection with partners “during periods of time when they cannot meet physically.”