The opinion offered in last week’s editorial is inconsistent with previous reactions to rape that have occurred at the college. In Spring 2006, a student was accused of rape and was suspended. The accused was later found not guilty but was unable to complete the semester because of the suspension. Surely there is injustice here; the accused was unduly punished. If this case of rape is analogous to the one that involves the resident assistant-attacker, then why are we agitated now? If it is unfair that he was not punished, then it is equally unfair that an innocent was punished. Injustices often occur, but if we respect justice, then we must always defend it.

Rape is certainly among the greatest of injustices that one person can bring upon another. I am deeply sorry that anyone should have to face this grave reality as a victim. However, it is not unreasonable to think that we can end rape on our campus. It is important to acknowledge that this will require the concerted efforts of the whole campus. Yes, the administration must change some of their policies and work more closely to punish sexual offenders; this much seems clear. We as students will likewise need to change our behavior. We must actively treat rape as the injustice that it is. This means acting responsibly. We simply cannot complain at the administration for change and undertake no responsibility of our own. We must work together to affect this necessary change of ending rape.

Brian Trial ’08