TO THE EDITOR:
I am writing in response to Matthew Zipple’s letter arguing for more due process in the prosecution of sexual assault cases.
I agree with Mr. Zipple that increased due process is needed in sexual assault cases to ensure that the appropriate parties are brought to justice, but I question his motivation in light of the new policies which clearly establish not only definitions of sexual contact and consent but guidelines about how to determine when consent is given and/or revoked.
It is incredibly difficult for victims of assault to come forward, and many men and women never share their stories because they are afraid of not being taken seriously. I would tread lightly before calling for increased scrutiny of their stories due to a small number of malicious individuals who have lied about their assaults.
False reports of sexual assault are incredibly serious, not only because they harm innocent parties but because they trivialize the serious impact that sexual assault and rape have on victims. Hopefully the new policy’s definitions and guidelines will decrease the already low number of false reports on campuses and allow the university to help victims seek legal action against their attackers and begin the difficult healing process.
Emma Horesovsky
Class of ‘10
