Earlier this semester, my friends and I discussed sexual assault at Duke, and I stated that most could be prevented if Duke women behaved more responsibly.
This evening, after returning from dinner, I planned on writing a history paper. Instead, I found a copy of "Saturday Night" under my door, with an orange sticky note attached: "Read this and understand it wasn't my fault."
To accentuate the emotion, there were two tear stains on the paper, and the handwriting was a friend's. I'm now writing this instead. I have read the magazine, and although I cannot understand, not in the same way you do, I am sorry. I never meant to blame you. You never wanted to be assaulted, and I don't think it was your fault.
However, the other understanding I gained from "Saturday Night" was the impenetrable culture of silence that surrounds sexual assault. As long as this culture continues, so will the assaults.
This administration's lax policy on sexual assault creates the illusion that it is not taken seriously here. I suspect, however, that students, both male and female, have a different point of view.
I challenge you and all women as strong and courageous as I know you to be, to test this. The student body needs to know who the campus rapists are. You need to tell us.
In writing this, I ask all assault victims who know their attackers to make their names public. Don't limit yourself to the Women's Center. Put his picture on a piece of paper that says rapist, copy it 10,000 times and flyer the campus with it.
Inside, I know this is an unrealistic request, and it betrays my fundamental inability to understand the shame and embarrassment that victims feel.
I know that part of you wants to tell the world, if only to warn your friend, roommate,or sister to stay away from these guys.
Please, allow the rest of the Duke community to support you by shunning the predators among us.
George Gilbert
Trinity '06
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