I challenge you to begin to type "Stanford" into any search engine. Earlier this week, I was looking to educate myself on the case. All I had to do was type in the first four letters of the institution and "Stanford rape case," "Stanford rape victim," and "Stanford rape" all popped up immediately. And for good reason. Brock Allen Turner, a former Stanford student, was found sexually assaulting an unconscious 22-year-old behind a dumpster at nearly one in the morning in January of 2015.
Now, you probably already know everything this is to know about Turner and his (unbelievably) short sentence of only six months. It was later released that if Turner had "good behavior" during his sentence, he could potentially be released after three months. That's right -- three months. After being convicted of rape and sexual assault, Brock Allen Turner may only have to suffer for three months of his life because all he did was commit "20 minutes of action," as his father stated in a letter to the judge.
Last time I checked, we don't base crimes off of the amount of time they took. Some murders take less than 30 seconds, but it doesn't mean they get any lesser of a punishment. They committed a felony, and they deserve to be punished accordingly. Brock Turner, despite his credentials and lack of criminal history, should be thoroughly punished for his crime. Some people, including the entire Turner family, have publicly spoken about the scandal, and have expressed their confusion towards the backlash against their family. I hope these next few notes help people understand the well-deserved backlash a little bit better.
To the Turner family: I can understand your angst and surprise. I'm sure that you never expected your son to do anything of the sort. You raised him to be kind and respectful (or so you claim), and you are trying to defend him. I understand where your heart lies, and I understand your actions. What I cannot fathom is how you can undermine such a crime. Your son committed a very serious crime. He scarred someone, left her broken, and is paying little-to-no price for his actions. As much as you adore Brock, you must understand that he needs to pay the price for his actions, and that he is not above anyone, especially a woman, despite his fantastic swimming career or ability to get into Stanford University.
To Judge Aaron Persky: I will never comprehend how you could let such an arrogant boy rape an older woman. You simply let him get off. Brock Allen Turner was sentenced to six months in prison after he was convicted (and found guilty) of rape. Do you know how serious that is? Can you try and understand how emotionally, mentally, and physically scarring that is for the victim? Turner ruined a woman's life, yet all he is issued is half of a year behind bars. Your job as a judge is at risk right now, and rightfully so. No judge should be allowed to issue such a lenient sentence during an incredibly disturbing and scarring case.
To Brock Allen Turner: You are paying the price for your disgusting actions. I hope you realize just how horrible your decision making is. And not even just that, but the fact that you have the nerve to lie and deny your actions under oath baffles me. How could you make a woman feel so worthless, and then blame it on "alcohol consumption" and the "college party scene?" Why did you lie in court about never drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, and yet be a user of cocaine, potential user of marijuana, and a constant party-goer? What could ever possess you to do such ruthless and undermining things to a drunk and unconscious woman? I will never comprehend, and I will never sympathize with you.
To the victim: You never deserved this. What this boy did to you is unforgivable, and I sincerely apologize for the agonizing pain you were put through. I cannot understand how Brock Turner could violate you, and then compromise your feelings while he lies and fabricates stories about that night. It is dehumanizing, and I am sorry for this tragedy. So many people stand by you, and I can assure you that I am one of them.
