I know about college drinking culture
When I worked in student affairs at the Michigan State University, I facilitated alcohol education sessions for students who were sanctioned for alcohol violations. During these sessions, we asked students if it was OK to do things to others who had too much to drink and had passed out. We started with small things, like pranks, e.g. writing on someone’s face, shaving their heads, etc. And progressed to touching, and then violating someone sexually.
I was always amazed at the number who said that if someone had too much to drink, then it was their fault and they couldn’t blame someone else for violating their personal space. They didn’t consider it rape if the victim was too drunk to know what was happening, or even if the victim was completely passed out. And, in my experience, those who had no issue violating someone were all men. The women may have thought it was funny to write on someone or do a prank. However, once it entered into touching and especially sexual assault and rape, the women said, “No, absolutely not right.”
I don’t know what actually happened in the situations that have arisen regarding Judge Brett Kavanaugh, but I do know about the party/drinking culture and how often men feel it is their right to do whatever they want to people “stupid enough to get drunk.”
And, at 56, I am very capable of remembering with great clarity events that occurred at high school and college parties. During my freshman year, I was dating someone. We had been drinking. We were “making out,” fully clothed and my date was getting very aggressive. I kept pushing his hands away, suggesting we just keep kissing, but he kept trying. He was drunk. He was big and strong. I was getting very nervous. Thankfully, the fire alarm went off. I never went out with him again. I will always remember how I felt that night. I will always remember all the details. I will always be thankful for that alarm.
We need the FBI investigation to get to the facts related to Christine Blasey Ford’s accusations, so both sides have an opportunity to get to the truth. Leyla Kayi South Hadley, Mass.
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