Oakland, CA - A Mills student suffered an alleged sexual assault on Thursday, December 7, 2006. The student had met the alleged perpetrator online, in response to a potential job opportunity. After the incident, the student moved quickly and courageously to notify the police and Mills public safety officials about the attack and aided in finding the alleged perpetrator, thus helping to prevent this attacker from harming others. 

The College has provided all available resources to facilitate the student’s recovery and is making every effort to protect the student’s privacy. The suspect has been taken into custody by the Oakland police, and the College is cooperating fully in the ongoing police investigation.

The College informed the campus community about the incident and has disseminated personal safety guidelines that serve as important reminders to protect all members of our community. The College is also planning campus-wide discussions about strategies for maximizing personal safety in all physical environments and will be reinforcing guidelines for protecting safety in online communications. In addition, the College has added public safety personnel and protocols and will be addressing immediate and long-term increased lighting on campus.

Mills President Janet L. Holmgren responded to the incident, “We are devastated by this alleged assault. Unfortunately, violent crime occurs all too often throughout our society in public and private environments. Crimes involving sexual assault are directed primarily against women, and are as horrific and criminal as all other forms of assault.”

“As a campus located in an urban environment, Mills has always maintained a strong safety record to protect our students. Mills has become even more vigilant in offering protection and advice to our students and community members, with renewed emphasis on online safety,” said President Holmgren. “The College does a good job of striking a balance between providing a campus community with strong safety protocols, including 24/7 security, and also allowing us to be open to the surrounding community. We are continuing to work with our students to create the safest possible physical and online environment for all, and to protect everyone’s privacy. The College is committed to ensuring that campus safety remains a top priority.”

PRESS CONTACT:
Deborah Dallinger
Communications Consultant
925.788.9131