Sexual violence is a pervasive issue in many parts of society, particularly within the world of college sports. One woman has been at the forefront of challenging this injustice, working tirelessly to transform the culture surrounding sexual violence. Brenda Tracy, a survivor of a devastating gang rape, has emerged as a pioneering voice for change. Through her nonprofit organization, Set The Expectation, she is shaping policies, educating athletes, and advocating for survivors across the nation. Her efforts have already sparked significant reforms in higher education and beyond, reshaping how institutions address sexual violence.
Brenda Tracy's Journey: From Survivor to Advocate
Brenda Tracy’s life was forever changed in 1998 when she survived a gang rape. For years, the trauma of the assault weighed heavily on her, leaving her grappling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her interactions with the legal system left her feeling abandoned, as justice eluded her and shame persisted. However, her decision in 2014 to come forward and share her story with the world was a pivotal turning point. This act of courage propelled Tracy into advocacy, where she dedicated herself to standing up for survivors and pushing for better handling of sexual violence cases, particularly in sports organizations.
The Formation of "Set The Expectation"
Driven by her personal experiences and a desire to foster real change, Brenda Tracy founded Set The Expectation. The organization is designed to combat sexual violence by actively involving men and boys in the solution. Tracy recognized that to address this widespread problem, it was critical to engage those who have often been overlooked in conversations about sexual violence—men. With a specific focus on student-athletes, Set The Expectation works to promote respect, responsibility, and healthy relationships.
Engaging Student-Athletes for Cultural Change
Student-athletes hold considerable influence within college communities, making them key players in reshaping cultural norms. Brenda Tracy’s approach is to work directly with these athletes, urging them to pledge to Set The Expectation of consent and respect. Through workshops, seminars, and personal testimony, Tracy engages these young men in discussions about masculinity, consent, and responsibility. These programs are designed not only to educate but also to empower athletes to take a stand against sexual violence and support survivors in meaningful ways.
Challenging Toxic Masculinity in College Sports
Toxic masculinity remains a deep-seated issue in college sports, where traditional views of manhood often emphasize aggression, dominance, and emotional suppression. These harmful stereotypes contribute to a culture that devalues vulnerability and reinforces disrespect towards women. Brenda Tracy’s mission has been to dismantle these harmful narratives and replace them with healthier, more inclusive views of masculinity. By promoting openness, empathy, and respect, she seeks to change how athletes and coaches perceive strength and leadership.
A Shift in Coaching and Athletic Leadership
A key component of Tracy’s work has been influencing how coaches and sports administrators view their roles in shaping young men’s lives. By holding coaches accountable for the behavior of their athletes and encouraging them to lead by example, Tracy’s initiatives have led to more proactive efforts to address sexual violence within sports programs. Many universities, inspired by her message, have begun implementing educational programs that focus on consent, healthy relationships, and respect for others.
Legislative Reforms: The Tracy Rule and Beyond
In addition to her work with student-athletes, Brenda Tracy has been instrumental in pushing for legislative changes that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. One of her most significant contributions is the development of The Tracy Rule, a policy that mandates thorough background checks for student-athletes. Under this rule, athletes with a history of serious misconduct, including sexual violence, are prohibited from participating in collegiate sports. The University of Texas at San Antonio was one of the first institutions to adopt this rule, setting a precedent for other schools across the nation.
Impact on NCAA Policies
Tracy’s advocacy has extended to the NCAA, where her efforts have led to the adoption of new policies requiring all member schools to vet athletes for any past instances of sexual violence. This shift in NCAA regulations marks a critical step in ensuring that colleges and universities take sexual misconduct seriously and act in the best interests of their student populations.
Education as a Tool for Prevention
At the core of Brenda Tracy’s movement is education. She firmly believes that by educating athletes and coaches about the realities of sexual violence, they can become allies in preventing it. Through her workshops and seminars, she provides athletes with detailed resources that emphasize the importance of consent and respect in all interactions. Many athletes who have participated in Tracy’s programs report a profound change in their perspectives, leading them to become advocates for respectful and supportive team environments.
Educational Programs for Long-Term Change
The educational programs developed by Set The Expectations are not one-time events but are designed to foster long-term change. These programs include interactive discussions, role-playing scenarios, and opportunities for athletes to reflect on their attitudes and behaviors. By integrating these lessons into the fabric of athletic programs, schools can cultivate a culture of respect that permeates both on and off the field.
Collaborations with Universities: A National Movement
Set The Expectation has partnered with numerous colleges and universities to implement comprehensive sexual violence prevention programs. Notable collaborations with institutions like the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska have demonstrated the impact of Tracy’s work. These schools have not only adopted the Set The Expectation pledge but have also launched educational initiatives aimed at reducing sexual violence on campus.
Expanding the Movement Beyond Sports
While much of Brenda Tracy’s work has focused on sports, her advocacy has extended to other areas of campus life, including fraternities and student organizations. By collaborating with a diverse range of campus groups, Tracy has helped foster a broader understanding of consent and respect, reaching students who may not be directly involved in athletics.
Future of Sexual Violence Prevention: Cultural Change
Brenda Tracy’s work is far from over. As she continues to speak to athletes, coaches, and communities across the country, her message is clear: everyone has a role to play in preventing sexual violence. Her relentless advocacy has opened doors for survivors, giving them a voice in spaces where they were once silenced. By challenging deep-seated cultural norms and pushing for legislative reforms, Tracy is leading a movement that is reshaping how we think about sexual violence and accountability.
Legislative Advocacy for Long-Lasting Change
Beyond her direct work with athletes and educational institutions, Brenda Tracy has been a force for legislative advocacy, seeking to influence state and national policies on sexual violence prevention. Her work in pushing for the Tracy Rule and influencing NCAA policies is just the beginning. As more schools and organizations adopt these critical measures, we can expect to see a continued shift toward accountability and justice for survivors of sexual violence.
Conclusion
Brenda Tracy’s journey from survivor to advocate has transformed the landscape of sexual violence prevention in college sports and beyond. Through her organization Set The Expectation, she has engaged student-athletes, reshaped how coaches view their responsibilities and advocated for laws that hold perpetrators accountable. Her relentless pursuit of justice for survivors has sparked a national movement, one that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and the importance of consent. By continuing to challenge toxic masculinity, promote education, and push for legislative reforms, Tracy’s work promises to create lasting change, not only in sports but in communities across the country.
