THE DORM ROOM: Assaulted by 13 athletes and the university that covers it up

What happens when the place meant to launch your future becomes the site of your worst nightmare—and the very institution meant to protect you chooses to protect itself instead? In this episode, Lisa sits down with Iesha Campbell, whose first weeks at a North Carolina college ended in unimaginable horror: drugged and assaulted by 13 athletes at a party in a dorm room, a place she should have felt safe.

But the trauma didn’t end with the crime. Despite a positive rape kit and clear evidence, Iesha was met with disbelief, intimidation, and victim-blaming by the university and campus police. Instead of support, she and her family were pressured to stay silent—warned that pursuing justice would only bring shame and ruin to her reputation, while her attackers walked free. The university’s priority was clear: protect its image and its athletes, no matter the cost to the survivor.

Iesha’s story is not just about surviving a horrific assault, but about the lifelong consequences of institutional betrayal. She shares the enduring impact of the cover-up: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the struggle to reclaim her sense of worth and safety in a world that failed to stand by her. Lisa and Iesha confront the staggering reality that one in five college women will be sexually assaulted, and most will never see justice—not because they didn’t come forward, but because those in power chose to look away.

This episode is a call to break the silence, demand accountability from universities, and support survivors with empathy—not shame. Lisa and Aisha remind listeners that the true cost of a cover-up is measured in lives forever altered by trauma, and that speaking out is the first step toward change.

“From now on… I’ll never abandon me.”

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of physical, emotional, psychological abuse and sexual assault. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Iesha Campbell:

Iesha Campebell is a resilient soul with a heart of gold. Despite life’s hardships, Iesha shares her story to inspire and empower others on similar paths, turning pain into purpose.

Follow Iesha on Instagram @Ieshacampbell59 and on Facebook.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

• If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)

• If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).

• PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.

Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.