Following accusations of rape, The University of Virginia is suspending all fraternities on campus until January 9. The accusations were made public in a Rolling Stone magazine article called “A Rape on Campus: A Brutal Assault and Struggle for Justice at UVA” that highlighted the exact actions of the alleged attackers.            

The magazine describes a student’s story of being raped by not one, but seven men, all within the same fraternity. The magazine also highlights the attempts that this woman had to bring her attackers to justice only to fail time and time again as a result of the university’s handling of the situation. Said in a statement by the university’s president, Theresa A. Sullivan states, "The wrongs described in Rolling Stone are appalling and have caused all of us to re-examine our responsibility to this community. Rape is an abhorrent crime that has no place in the world, let alone on the campuses and grounds of our nation's colleges and universities." 

The victim in the magazine article stated that she was invited into the fraternity house by one of the fraternity members where later seven men raped her for close to three hours. After the incident, she went to campus officials but later was too scared of her accusations being shot down by lack of proper evidence and also because similar accusations have been rejected by campus officials.                

As a result of the allegations, Sullivan has suspended all fraternities on campus from participating in any social activity. This includes about 3,500 students spanning in 31 fraternities, 16 sororities, and many, many more. 

These crimes are so horrible, yet colleges and universities around the country are still allowing this to happen and allowing the alleged attackers to get away. It’s sad that the only reason this issue is coming to light is because a girl had the bravery to go to the press and recount her story of horror. 

In addition, not only are fraternities on campus affected by this suspension but many other Greek organizations on campus that may not have had anything to do with the rape allegations are being affected as well. As a result of this suspension, many organizations may have to postpone or even cancel events that could have taken them weeks or months to plan. Not to mention the extra expenses that would result from canceling or postponing. 

The last thing a girl should be worrying about when going out for a night of fun is the possibility of being gang raped. What is wrong with our society that thinks raping women and dominance is okay? And better yet, what is wrong with our society that lets these allegations slide so as to not tarnish the image of their institution. This is the exact reason why many rape allegations are never brought to justice, because of the fear of them getting shut down. For a victim, it is hard enough to come forward with their story, just think of how devastating that would be to the victim when they are not believed. 

So many people can be affected by the choice of just one person acting on their impulse. Rape is a serious offense and those guilty of that offense should be brought to justice, don’t you agree?