Earlier this year, the whole nation was scandalized by the rape case at Stanford University.
Brock Turner, a student, sexually assaulted a woman, who was both intoxicated and unconscious, behind a dumpster.
The most scandalous part of the case, however, was how rapist Brock Turner was let go almost scot-free.
He was given a six month jail sentence, which later turned into three months, and is also given special protection for his time in prison.
Now, a new development shows just how problematic this case is because of how unfair it has been.
As a result of the case, Stanford University has decided to ban all hard liquor on campus. Any alcohol that has 20% alcohol by volume (ABV) is now prohibited, and undergraduate students who are of legal age to drink can only consume wine or beer.
What caused this ban, exactly?
Oh, that's right - Brock Turner blaming alcohol, blaming binge-drinking and party culture, for his actions. For the fact that he raped a woman. He gained sympathy by saying that it was the alcohol that caused it, that he never wants to drink again etc.
This is not only so extremely problematic, but is also definitely a step back for us as a society when it comes to rape culture and victim-blaming.
The fact that an institution as large and well-known as Stanford is siding with the rapist, and installing a law based on what he had to say, is appalling.
Claiming that alcohol is what causes someone to sexually assault another person is a perfect example of rape culture. It is 100% possible for a person to be under the influence of alcohol (or any other drugs) but still be able to control their urges and stop themselves from assaulting someone, so this is an invalid excuse. An invalid excuse that, once again, takes the responsibility away from the rapist.
This is the kind of thing that allows people to get away with sexual assault - when others see a law like this being put in effect, it'll allow them to also say "I drank too much which is why I raped that person," and that is absolutely not okay.
The problem with our society is that we need to stop blaming all the irrelevant things.
It does not matter how a woman is dressed, whether she's in a miniskirt or is fully covered up. It does not matter if she is out late at night. It does not matter how intoxicated either the victim or the rapist are.
None of those things are ever equivalent to an invitation.
None of those mean a person is "asking for it."
There is never any excuse for sexual assault. Ever.
Rather, we need to start blaming the only factor that is accurate: the rapist themselves.
Hold the rapist accountable for their actions, regardless of whether partying or alcohol was involved.
Brock Turner is a perfect example as to how privilege lets people get away with almost anything, and that is something that needs to change. It's time to stop letting Brock Turner (and others like him) get away with horrid crimes by allowing them to use these excuses.
Rather than put in a law that bans hard liquor (which, quite honestly, will not be effective to begin with on a campus with so many undergraduate students), spend that time, energy and money teaching students how to prevent sexual assault and properly punishing those who refuse to understand the meaning of consent.
Here's hoping that maybe, just maybe, Stanford and other large institutions will one day understand priorities when it comes to rape prevention.
