<p>Interesting interview with the author of the article shortly after it was published. <a href=“http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/EXCLUSIVE-Interview-with-Rolling-Stone-Author-283264421.html”>http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/EXCLUSIVE-Interview-with-Rolling-Stone-Author-283264421.html</a></p>
<p>She started out writing a general article about rape on campus but then focused on UVA. She makes a point of saying it isn’t unique, but the “norm.” Still, what surprised her most was the lack of co-operation from the administration and how difficult it made it to get even basic info about assault on campus. </p>
<p>One thing is notable. While a few people are engaging in knee jerk reactions of defending UVa, the overall impression you get is that lots of people at UVa are aware that sexual assaults are a common part of the social scene, a fact that is upsetting. The author says the attitude is that rape at a frat party is a “party foul” and isn’t taken seriously. By the evening of the day the article was published, the author had gotten lots of emails from current undergrads and recent grads saying they were victims too or knew people who were. </p>
<p>I feel for the victim, not only because of what happened to her, but because I’m afraid she will get caught up in a media circus. I also acknowledge that there’s an excellent chance that the young men who were involved in the attack will get away with it. Still, I am hopeful that the publication of the article will lead to systemic reforms, especially in frat culture. There is no way that seven guys all kept the attack a secret—someone else knew and kept quiet. </p>
<p>Remember Steubenville? The country was horrified by a bunch of drunk guys sitting around yucking it up about a girl who was sexually assaulted while she was passed out. My hunch is that something of the sort happened in Jackie’s case–one of those involved talked. My hope is that one of those who heard a participant ADMIT what happened now comes forward and tells what he knows. Of course, it would be even better if one of those 7 guys stepped forward and 'fessed up–not to get a better plea deal, but because he feels honest and sincere remorse for what he did.</p>