Content warning: This article discusses sexual violence and predatory behavior.
âI thought he was someone I could trust.â
Journalism junior, âAshley,â said this of the male counselor in her 2018 Fish Camp Discussion Group, who was supposed to âoffer advice about classes, College Station and anything else you need as you begin your journey as an Aggie,â according to Fish Campâs website.
Ashleyâs D.G. dad sexually assaulted her four months into her freshman year at Texas A&M â the unwanted campus welcome that she said stole her joy about the school.
Boldly stated on the front page of its website, Fish Camp, founded in 1954, is âA freshmanâs first traditionâ at A&M. However, sexual assault and harassment have woven their way in as a hidden part of the tradition as current students â D.G. âmomsâ and âdadsâ â are placed in positions of power over incoming freshmen. The result is an established culture of hookups, grooming and sexual assault and harassment among counselors that extends well beyond the four-day summer retreat held two hours away from College Station. In addition, a failure to adhere to proper protocols â in which claims of abuse and harassment against counselors are passed along to director staff and faculty advisors â has created a climate that protects abusers from repercussions and subjects freshmen to predatory behavior.