UCONN rape victims given 1.3 million dollars in settlement
Last year, the 5 college women filed the lawsuit against UCONN after the school failed to protected them against their rapes and sexual harassment.
Erica Daniels and Rosemary Richi stated that the school failed to look at evidence that they presented in their individual rape cases.
Carolyn Luby wrote an essay on rape culture (within the athletic programs) and was harassed and stalked by the male population.
Kylie Angell's rapist was punished and expelled, but the school allowed him to re-enroll two weeks after the expulsion. A year later, he raped another student.
Silvanna Monccia was kicked off her hockey team after reporting that a male hockey player had raped her.
Gloria Allred represented the 5 women and said that her clients are satisfied with the settlement. She states that the women want to "move forward with their lives" and "put everything behind them."
In turn, UCONN has advised the 5 women to never speak of the assaults and the lawsuit. UCONN doesn't want the women to "disparage" the university.
The Department of Education is currently looking into the matter. If any wrong-doing is found, the university could lose federal funding.
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Now, I don't want to "disparage" this university, nor do I want to step on the toes of the women who were assaulted, but, 1.3 million dollars as "hush money" doesn't sit well with me. Does anyone understand what rape really is? Does the school and the attackers understand what the victims go through after one is raped? Rape is a life crushing event that makes you feel like you aren't human. It takes your dignity, your light, your everything. You want to die. You feel dirty, and no matter how many times you shower, you cannot wash the dirty off of you. That's what it feels like as a rape victim. It's constant pain.
The school didn't do enough. The attackers weren't punished severely enough, and the school didn't do nearly enough for the welfare of the victims.
A few years ago, I went to a UCONN SlutWalk. It was a rally to end sexual assault, violence, rape, etc on campus. Even though I wasn't a student, I wanted to go and support those kids. I made signs and marched with them. I listened to gut-wrenching stories and was heartbroken for these girls. I wish that universities could do more to protect women on campus.
I applaud these women for coming forward and fighting for their rights. I wish the best for their lives. As for their attackers, karma is a bitch! As for UCONN, I'm sure that measures will be in place so that this doesn't happen again. At least I hope that's the case. College students shouldn't have to be going through this.
[photo credit:AP Pat Eaton-Robb Associated Press/ Huffington Post]
