What the public has the right to know is up for debate. With regard to rape or sexual assault on campus, we should have the right to know.
We do not need to know the victim’s name; it is up to them to decide whether they would like to speak-out or not. However, we as a community have the right to know if we are safe.
No one was made aware of the rape that occurred in Hart Hall last week. There was no email or press release sent out following to the incident. Last year, we received an email about a sexual assault right after it happened. This year’s violation was deemed not a concern for the rest of campus.
How is rape not a concern for the whole campus?
Regardless of if University Police or anyone else deems it contained, we should still be notified. Apparently it is a better idea for someone to stumble upon the incident in the police blotter. But on the police blotter, there was not much listed. It simply reads “Rape 03 Hart Hall.” It does not say whether or not the accused was arrested.
The “03” on the blotter means third degree. This is categorized as a class E felony which is punishable by up to four years in prison.
That is how rumors get started. It is all based off he said/she said. It is better to be aware of what happened rather than people coming to their own conclusions, which could end up doing more harm than good and potentially ruin someone’s reputation.
Not only will telling the campus community about the situation help stop rumors, but it helps to spot trends and address problems concerning sexual assault and rape on campus. Covering it up is ignoring the reoccurring problem.
There could be many other assaults on campus that we do not know about because nothing was sent. With all the work the “It’s On Us” campaign does on campus, it is a shame this was not brought to the attention of the students.
The campaign often holds a table during the day in the Marano Campus Center. “It’s On Us” strives to create a conversation about sexual assault on campuses across the country. We cannot stand up against sexual assault if we are not aware of it going on in our own community.
