Stanford. Home of white privilege and a whole lot of arrogance.

Just when you thought the name Brock Turner was one of the past, he is released from jail 3 months early. Let me remind you that his sentence was already only a petty six months for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster. The judge gave him sympathy regarding the fact that he was under the influence of alcohol. Turner never explicitly apologized for his actions, instead called for pity when he felt overwhelmed by the conviction. In case this does not light off a million signals that something is clearly wrong, let me spell it out. Rape culture is alive, and privilege is thriving.

Stanford’s response to this incident? They decide to ban alcohol campus-wide. Now take a moment a to realize the implications of this action. By implying that alcohol was the problem in Turner’s case, the university is stating that it was an excuse. Instead of focusing on the problem of sexual assault on university ground, the simple route of victim blaming was once again taken. Drinking to the point of belligerence is a choice. Sex is a choice. You get to say yes or no. When you take away that choice, it is rape. And what many people seem to misunderstand is that rape is rape, and no matter what the circumstance this does not change.

Needless to point out, I am angry. I am angry because as a woman I feel that this case should affect each and every one of us. It is time to stop being ignorant and realize that there is an epidemic among college students that needs to be put to an end. Enough with the bullshit. Enough with the victim blaming and pointing fingers. For far too long we have marginalized victims of sexual assault for whatever reason deemed fit. For far too long we have sat back and allowed those of privilege to walk away from crimes and responsibility because of the numbers in their bank accounts and the color of their skin.

So excuse me Stanford, but I think it is time to take a reality check and acknowledge the problem. Maybe take a step back and look in the mirror to find the source. We can’t work at change until people are able to identify the issue. And I can tell you that alcohol is most definitely not where the issue lies, so try again.