Like other students, I have a strong dedication and loyalty to the campus I call home during the academic year. There is a sense of camaraderie, family, and most of all, a sense of value for every member of the community. For me at least, it feels like trust that my leaders, role models, administrators, will act in our best interests.

But the sense of shock and anger that has rippled through the University of Portland community this past week has shaken this security. It became public knowledge that a student had reported a sexual assault to the university administration - a case that ultimately found the attacker not responsible for the attack and a decision which was maintained again when the victim submitted an appeal.

I’m not here to repeat the facts of this saddening case but I will clarify that any facts I do rely upon have been publicized in the University of Portland community by the victim and her family in order to promote awareness and generate support. I haven’t felt so motivated to discuss a truly feminist issue in a long time; perhaps this one touched me because it was so close to home and because its results will affect the lives of every student moving forward.

First of all, if alcohol is involved in any capacity (which it was) with a sexual assault case, judgment is impaired. Whether it be copious quantities or one glass, it is undeniable that alcohol weakens judgement. I can’t help but think that if your judgement is at all influenced by alcohol, you are also not in a position to give full, rational consent at all.

Apparently the University of Portland administrators fail to see the logic in this.Their ruling was that the victim was, "not intoxicated to the point of incapacitation" according to the email issues by her family.

One of the major values of feminism is bodily autonomy - the ability for self-governance based on one’s own motivation. Most people would agree that this physical freedom over oneself is largely guided by reason. But isn’t it clear that the ability to make rational, autonomous decisions is affected by alcohol consumption? As a feminist, I obviously see this issue as a major contradiction to such liberal thoughts on autonomy.

But as a student, I see this issue as a major contradiction to the University’s commitment to leadership as the student body looks to our leaders for support in these issues.

The information circulating and emailed throughout the community from the victim’s family states that, “the formal hearing [for the victim] would take place… one month after the original incident and twenty-two days after requesting a hearing.”

One month. One month of going to classes, the dining hall, the library every single day with the fear of meeting your attacker. I can’t imagine that kind of trauma, the kind where fear is underlying even your most basic daily necessities.

Again, I’ve always had a very strong love and admiration for my university’s values but this case is just a clear example of how rape culture is being perpetuated by the administration here and furthermore, how our system of approaching sexual assault is fundamentally flawed.

As a woman, it is already terrifying to know that I face a myriad of cultural norms which inhibit my rights as a citizen and human being. But to know that my home, my safe space to exercise those rights, is giving in to this culture is the worst fear of all. I can only hope that with our inspiring uproar, administrators will critically examine the situation at hand and bring true justice to our community members.