People v. Turner, formally People of the State of California v. Brock Allen Turner (2015), the infamous criminal case that caught the attention of the entire country when the Stanford student-athlete was released after a measly 6 months in prison for pleading guilty to three counts of felony sexual assault.

"I want the judge to know that he ignited a tiny fire. If anything, this is a reason for all of us to speak even louder."- "Emily Doe," Turner's victim

A seemingly procedural conviction process lead to one of the most mind-blowing sentences in judicial history...and all I could think was: "how is this possible?" Quite frankly it was pretty obvious if you have enough money and know the right people anything is possible.

Now I know it seems a little out-dated to reference a case from 2015, but as a woman, it was particularly infuriating to watch a case like this unfold so casually. Brock Turner was just one notable example of how jurisdiction can be so heavily influenced by socioeconomics. The deeply rooted capitalist values of our nation has cultivated a society in which we are dominated by money and those who have it. So, how can we possibly go about changing something as concrete as that?

Speak louder. Take it from "Emily Doe," Turner's victim, the way we insinuate change comes from our willingness to speak up. Injustice spans far beyond the courtroom or college campus, and as Americans, it is our responsibility to help make the country we live in the best it can possibly be--united not divided.

The recent presidency has tested many people's morality, sensibility, and most importantly sanity. Although chaotic, it, strangely enough, feels like a rebirth of righteousness. Aside from our new government, the American populace has shown that we are capable of progressive change even when we feel like we are regressing...as long as we speak louder. Whether it be on behalf of equality, science, or education everybody has a voice to be heard.

So thank you to all the people who are courageously speaking up against injustice and mistreatment. For there is strength in standing up for oneself, but speaking up on behalf of other peoples highlights the true beauty of morality.