As a father of a daughter and a son, I deeply care about providing them with opportunities that honor their potential. Recent events at a Cornell fraternity highlight alarming issues of safety on college campuses. I think about my daughter and her future safety when institutions seem to prioritize their own reputation over student protection. I am also mindful of my son’s development, emphasizing the importance of being a protector and advocate for others, especially in challenging situations.
All students should feel secure at their schools. That’s why I directed the Maryland Higher Education Commission to propose robust recommendations for enhancing campus sexual assault policies and disciplinary measures across state educational institutions. Ensuring that colleges are not structured to shield perpetrators is a fundamental justice we owe survivors of violence. It is the minimum required action. Limiting actions to this does not suffice. The Cornell case illustrates a cultural shortcoming, urging us to rethink the values instilled in young men and how they treat women. This requires improved sex education and encourages fathers and male role models to engage in necessary conversations with young men.
This year, I signed legislation for the Department of Education to create mandatory procedures on sexual abuse for every local school system. Maryland is one of 16 states mandating that sex education includes consent. Yet, these discussions must also occur at home. Thus, Maryland collaborates with the Parent Encouragement Program, providing a platform for fathers to engage in such dialogues. These conversations are often left to mothers or neglected entirely.
My father passed away when I was very young, and my mother, along with my sisters, raised me while managing multiple jobs. Although they supported and guided me, learning how to be a man came from male communities. Basketball courts, the military, and my fraternity taught me values of integrity, service, respect, and empathy, values contrasting with the appalling allegations reported at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity.
Young men continuously seek belonging, finding it in various environments. It is crucial these environments encourage growth and accountability. Maryland’s initiatives like the Service Year Option offer young people mentorship and real-world work experience by serving communities. Thrive Academy provides at-risk youth with tailored support, including life coaching. These programs are successful because of engaged adults and a curriculum fostering community contribution.
Another growing concern is the harmful online communities influencing young men. Content normalizing gender-based violence is widespread and accessible. In Maryland, efforts with organizations like Diverting Hate aim to redirect men from damaging content to constructive resources. We are also exploring methods to shield young people from deepfakes. Maryland stands out for its task force combating AI-related crimes and expanding laws to address AI-generated deepfakes.
Efforts to tackle sexual violence often emphasize protection for women within institutions, which is necessary but insufficient. We must also place focus on raising better men, a responsibility shared by policymakers, fathers, educators, and mentors. Leaders must take concrete steps at state and federal levels. Maryland’s Young Men and Boys Initiative addresses statistics showing young males lagging. This initiative aims to reconsider how young men—and systems shielding them—have wronged women.
Our mission is cohesive. Supporting young men and safeguarding young women are not conflicting tasks; they are interconnected. Raising boys to understand that true strength lies in safeguarding, not dominating others, is crucial.
Wes Moore is the 63rd governor of Maryland.
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