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First Coast Connect

Amid Investigations, Examining 'Rape Culture' On Florida College Campuses

Florida State University

As FSU investigates its quarterback and Gainesville police look into incidents on the UF campus, the issue of sexual assault at universities is front and center.

Florida State University quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston is under investigation by the school over the much-publicized rape allegation brought against him in December 2012.

While the Tallahassee Police Department has not charged Winston, he could face possible federal Title IX violations from the school. FSU is also currently launching a new sexual assault awareness campaign for its students.

At the same time, officials with the University of Florida and the Gainesville Police Department are searching for a suspect they say attempted to rape two women on the campus this weekend.

Both developments are bringing back to light the widespread problem of sexual assault on college campuses.

Jennifer Dritt, executive director of the Florida Council Against Sexual Assault in Tallahassee, joined WJCT's Melissa Ross to discuss these cases and what could be done to combat the pervasiveness of "rape culture" at universities.

 You can follow Melissa Ross on Twitter @MelissainJax.

Melissa Ross joined WJCT in 2009 with 20 years of experience in broadcasting, including stints in Cincinnati, Chicago, Orlando and Jacksonville. During her career as a television and radio news anchor and reporter, Melissa has won four regional Emmys for news and feature reporting.