Dear College Boys,

I am in no way suggesting that young women are incapable of speaking for themselves, or that they require protection, but I am asking you to look out for your female classmates. Regardless of what you’ve heard before, have no doubt that women battle against a brutal society every day. Not only are we perpetually underestimated by our male coworkers and classmates, but we have to deal with constant sexual harassment, from the men we see on a daily basis, and from the men we pass on the street, and all I’m asking is that you be a gentleman.

Walking down the street seems like an innocent enough notion until someone shouts vulgarities at you from their car window, or until strangers proposition you on the sidewalk. I can speak from personal experience when I say that minding your own business just isn't enough to ward off harassment or unwanted advances. Either men just don't get the message, or worse: they do, but they just don't care.

Before I started college, I honestly used to roll my eyes at the thought of having to find someone to walk with me when it's dark out. I love walking, and I thoroughly enjoy solitude. Why would I give that up? Well, now that I'm here, my attitude has changed completely. Forget walking home at night - I try not to leave my dorm past 8:30 pm unless I have a group of people with me. Why? When you get to college, you learn just how scary the dark really is. You learn that solitude is a luxury best enjoyed during the daytime, because you don't know what's lurking in that dimly lit ally. It's just not worth the risk.

So, boys, if you know she has to walk home and it’s dark out, offer to walk her home. If you’re at a party or social engagement and you see that she’s receiving unwanted attention from another man, step in. The same goes for if you see her being harassed on the street. Be willing to confront the situation and back her up.

Now keep in mind that this girl doesn’t have to be your girlfriend, or even just your friend. You might just know her from one or two of your classes, or you might frequent the same dining hall every day. Or maybe the two of you are perfect strangers. It doesn’t matter. Have the decency to offer your assistance if she needs it, to intervene. Just look out for her.