The Jacob Anderson Case Matters And We Must Do Better | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Survivors

The Jacob Anderson Rape Case Matters And We, As A Society, Must Do Better

I am upset. We must not let this happen again.

296
prison cell

I've never been one that loves talking about my political views or other controversial topics, but I must share that in light of the Jacob Anderson case — I feel led to say something.

To recap, in 2016 Jacob Anderson was accused of brutally raping a woman in an alley and left her in the dirt. She woke up almost choking to death on her vomit. Two years later, as the case closes Anderson has been given a plea deal.

The deal is three years of probation, a $400 fine, and he does not have to register as a sex offender.

This is outrageous.

I'm aware that there are details in the case that I do not know, and that the public may not be allowed to know. But I can say that from the outside this continues to set a horrible precedent that even if a woman does everything right and has overwhelming evidence that she has been raped that her rapist can still walk away close to free. And as a current young woman in college, this scares me.

As a current Baylor student, I can attest to the fact that I have never once felt unsafe on campus and the school has done a good job of making the campus safer after the scandal in 2016. But, after telling my parents about this case my dad wondered why he would send his daughter off to college or if McClennan Country recognized how this appears?

As I said, I'm aware I don't have all the details. But regardless, this is wrong. And we must do better. We cannot tell women that it doesn't matter if you do the right thing, if you have witnesses, if you remember what happened, if you got tested because the justice system will continue to let this happen. We cannot be satisfied with this outcome, and we must never stop being appalled at these results and start to accept that it's the norm. We must do better.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15687
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6752
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4982
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4373
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments