First let me say, I love America. I am also studying Criminal Justice with a minor in Law. I am all for the justice and our justice system. I think that innocent until proven guilty is a great concept, it helps those who are innocent who have been accused to remain innocent. This also a terrifying concept, it allows those who are guilty to remain “innocent”. Obviously, there are holes in our justice system, but it’s hard to create a perfect system for a country with relatively high crime rates—but you know what’s not hard? It’s not hard to punish a young “man” who raped an unconscious female, outside, behind a dumpster. Yes, I am referring to the Brock Turner case.

For those of you who somehow haven’t heard about this case, I will give you a quick summary for you. Brock Turner, a Stanford Student, Fraternity member, and Swimmer—After a wild night of the party was caught by two men on top of an unconscious female. After the two men yelled at Turner, he still continued. Then once Turner noticed they were coming towards him ran, eventually leading to him being tackled by one of the two men. While the other man dialed 911 for help. The young female was so unresponsive, the only movement she made was to throw up on herself. Turner, before sentencing was facing up to 14 years, but prosecutors were only going for 6 years. After sentencing, Turner only received 6 months in county jail, and will most likely be released after serving 3 months, according to the prosecutors. Yes, readers you read that right, 3-6 months in county jail for rape, with 3 years’ probation. The judge had a logical explanation, prison would a severe impact on an athlete like him.

I just want to say when justice is overlooked because of someone’s athletic abilities, and economic status—is where the justice system falls short. We encourage victims of sexual assault to speak out, but allow Brock Turner’s of the world get a slap on the wrist. What kind of message does this send to victims of sexual assault?

There are many people surprisingly rushing to Turner’s defense, by many people I mean his family, and friends. They are placing all of the blame on alcohol—which I think is absurd. No, I am not condoning underage drinking or binge drinking, but I also feel that alcohol is not solely responsible, the victim also had alcohol in her system. The question is, since when does someone having too much drink give the person a right to be raped? The answer is none. I believe alcohol can impair judgment, but it didn’t make Turner wait until the victim was alone, follow her, and then target her. He preyed on his victim, and waited until she was in the most vulnerable state to approach the victim. This to me, for someone who claims to be extremely intoxicated—seems very calculated.

To Judge Persky, severe impact is not going to prison after committing a crime. Severe impact is being raped behind a dumpster, waking up distorted and confused, speaking out against your attacker in court—only to hear your attacker will only serve 3-6 months in county jail for rape, with 3 years’ probation. Basically being told by the justice system that you’re worthy of justice. That Judge Persky, is severe impact.

As a female in college, this case is scary. I am aware of the dangers that surround the outside world, but to think that dangers lurk on my campus, and can come from a fellow classmate are terrifying. Yes, we are aware that underage drinking and partying occurs on every campus; but we like to think that we go to a college, where the student body is one big family. We like to think that no one on campus would disrespect and violate us in any way. We like to feel that we are one, but what if we were the victim instead? Would the justice system treat me the same? What if we were being told it was our fault for drinking too much? That it wasn't our attacker's fault, it was however many shots of whiskey he had. What if we were told that our courage to come forward was appreciated, but wasn't enough?

That is why we won't stop talking about the lack of justice that was served, because things like these happen too often on college campuses not to be worried about.