Cal State San Marcos students arm themselves after string of campus rapes

Four separate rapes were reported at Cal State San Marcos over three weeks in September, occurring at The Quad, University Village Apartments and Black Oak Hall. Students criticize the school’s safety communications, including a flyer featuring a cartoon cat, and describe the mandatory Title IX training as poorly designed. In reaction, many female students have begun carrying pepper spray and moving around campus in groups.

The university says the cases are not linked and that the victims knew each other, while President Ellen Neufeldt pledged to double security efforts, adding more police patrols, overnight residential security and round-the-clock front desk staffing. A student who was assaulted later voiced fears that the situation could worsen, citing concerns about safety for evening classes. University spokesperson Jerry McCormick reiterated that the incidents are being taken seriously but remain isolated.