A Rape On Campus
Sociological Imagination
Denial
Money Is Power
The UVA rape cases also portrayed that "money can buy you out of anything".
Parents of accused UVA students threatened the campus and the victims of the assaults with legal action. The risk of being sued resulted in UVA not addressing the case properly and having the suspects walk away free of charge. Attorney Wendy Murphy states "In these situations the one who gets the most protection is either a wealthy kid, a legacy kid or an athlete. The more privileged he is, the more likely the more likely the woman has to die before accountable".
The Effect of Social Status
This article also exhibited and proved true that "social status is everything."
When seeking help from her friends after the attack, Jackie's friends reminded her of what would happen to her reputation if she "cried rape". Despite her disordered appearance, Jackie's friends tried to persuade her not to report the incident. Jackie remembers her friends saying "is that really such a good idea?", "Her reputation will be shot for the next four years", and "she's gonna be the girl who cried 'rape', and we'll never be allowed in any frat party again." People began to isolate Jackie as if hanging out with a victim of rape would destroy their reputation as well.
Where is Drew?
UVA's Reaction
Another aggravating aspect of the article, is the silence of the UVA and their incorporation towards this matter. The UVA is now under federal investigation due to the massive quantity of rape cases and is in the top 12 most concerning campuses.
"UVA is one of only 12 schools under a sweeping investigation known as "compliance review": a proactive probe launched by the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights itself, triggered by deep-rooted concerns". The UVA has been working towards this ever since Jackie's case came into spotlight. Why is the UVA still refusing to be interviewed if they are taking action about their rape problem?
Why do so many rape cases go unreported?
Definitions
Wahoo- UVA Freshman nickname who can drink twice their own bodyweight.
Rugby Road- Category of UVA fight songs featuring explicit versus consisting of partying, hard liquor, drugs and defying women.