USNA QB Charged with rape

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
21

<p>Spidermom,</p>

<p>You are absolutely correct.</p>

<p>As always, it's always the few who ruin it for the many.</p>

<p>I've seen some instances of terrible discipline and morale problems because men AND women couldn't keep their pants up. It is why I continue to hold the position that women do not belong in a combat zone, and that in some cases, they don't belong at all. Part of that is my belief that, in general, women are more valuable than men when it comes to war.</p>

<p>Call me a sexist pig, but there it is.</p>

<p>If the female in this incident is lying, she should be expelled, just for starters. If the QB DID do it, he should be skinned alive in Tecumseh Court.</p>

<p>Sorry, but I'm really big on the whole personal responsibility thing.</p>

22

<p>
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I'm sorry guys, I just had that moment after reading the news and I just let myself go too far.

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</p>

<p>So did I. It happens.</p>

<p>
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I just felt really let down after reading this and kinda felt the gut anger, but I better control that bigtime if I'm headed to Annapolis on June.

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</p>

<p>How do you think guys like me, who are GRADUATES, feel? </p>

<p>The only thing you need to control bigtime is your fear, and that comes from experience. Rest assured, however, that the "old boys club" so often espoused by the feminists is not nearly as entrenched as you might think. When the facts come out, I can assure you that the guilty party will not get a free ride from their friends.</p>

23

<p>
[quote]
and the comments about a couple getting caught and the female mid claiming rape as a lifesaver the male mid gets the boot? What about that?

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</p>

<p>It's been known to happen, because while the girls have organizations like NOW to raise a media ****storm, the guys don't.</p>

<p>That said, I offer the following advice: DO NOT DATE ANOTHER MIDSHIPMAN. It's an extension of the old adage "Don't poop where you eat." I've seen it cause way too many problems (and yes, I did it when I was there). Not worth it, folks.</p>

24

<p>Thought it might be worth posting this here- perhaps time for all to take a deep breath and let the system work- </p>

<h2>PAO release to Alumni and Parents</h2>

<p>This email is being sent to the USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees, USNA Foundation Board of Directors, A&SP Executive Committee, Class and Chapter Presidents, and Parents' Club Presidents.</p>

<p>The Naval Academy has asked us to provide you the following statement regarding Midshipman First Class Lamar Owens, co-captain of the 2005 football team. As always, we appreciate your willingness to act as informed advocates of today's Naval Academy and Brigade of Midshipmen.</p>

<p>Lawrence Heyworth III
Vice President, Communications
U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association</p>

<p>Dear Alumni and Parents, </p>

<p>The mission of the Naval Academy focuses on developing midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to become officers of the highest character to lead our Sailors and Marines in combat. </p>

<p>In everything we do we endeavor to develop a professional culture at the Academy that fosters dignity and respect, while also encouraging personal responsibility and accountability. The policy is very clear: The Navy does not tolerate sexual harassment, misconduct or assault; these issues are taken seriously, all allegations are thoroughly investigated, people are held accountable for their actions and due process is ensured. Accused are always presumed innocent until proven otherwise. </p>

<p>We anticipate news media will soon report that the Academy has charged a First Class Midshipman with several violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, ranging from rape to conduct unbecoming an officer. The charges are based upon a preliminary investigation conducted by the Academy and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. </p>

<p>Please remember that currently these charges are accusations only. The accused midshipman is presumed innocent until proven guilty. </p>

<p>The Academy has assigned the sexual assault victim a personal advocate and is doing everything possible to protect the victim, as well as offer support and counseling. We have also taken steps to prevent contact between the accused and victim to protect both parties. The victim's name and personal information are being withheld to protect her privacy. </p>

<p>Upon learning of the allegations from the victim, the Naval Academy and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted an immediate investigation. The results of that investigation were provided to the Superintendent, who then made the decision to formally charge the accused and to refer the matter for further investigation under Article 32 of the UCMJ.</p>

<p>The Academy has referred the matter to an Article 32 hearing. The pretrial investigation will be conducted by a military officer. The Superintendent will use the information obtained in this hearing, and the recommendation of the investigating officer, to make a decision regarding the disposition of allegations made in this case. </p>

<p>Our policy is clear: we do not tolerate sexual harassment or assault; these actions have no place in the Navy and Marine Corps. Anytime an alleged event like this occurs, it is detrimental to the Brigade, the entire Academy family, and is contrary to all we are hoping to achieve. </p>

<p>The Midshipman charged in this case is Midshipman First Class Lamar S. Owens, last season's Football Team Captain and Quarterback. The accused midshipman remains assigned to the Naval Academy and will continue attending class and performing other duties assigned midshipmen pending the outcome of this investigation. </p>

<p>The Naval Academy has taken the unusual step in releasing the name of the accused midshipman, given the circumstances of the case, as well as the public prominence of the accused and his leadership position in the Brigade. Our decision to release personal information is always balanced with maintaining the privacy of the victim and protecting the rights of the accused. In this case we wanted to be as upfront as possible in providing information, especially realizing the name of the accused would become generally known. Our goal is to preclude innuendo and rumor, provide for accurate reporting and prevent re-victimization.</p>

<p>Last Friday night, we celebrated a great football season at our annual football banquet. Actually, our third great winning season: 4-0 versus Army, 3-0 versus Air Force, three Commander-in-Chief trophies, three bowl games (including a 51-30 win over Colorado State last December in the San Diego). By any measure, the Navy football program has performed beyond expectations on the athletic field. </p>

<p>Members of the football team, as well as the coaching staff, however would be the first to tell you that sexual harassment and sexual assault are unacceptable and do not reflect the high standards, performance and expectations of the team, the Brigade of Midshipmen or the Academy. Standards are clear: Conduct, character and honor are more important than football. </p>

<p>We need your help to avoid rumors or speculation. Respect the privacy of those involved. And keep in perspective that while this latest incident may receive widespread media attention, the vast majority of midshipmen meet our exacting standards of character and conduct. </p>

<p>The American people expect the very best of all our midshipmen. We continually strive to meet those expectations. As future leaders of Sailors and Marines, we hold our midshipmen to the highest of standards. As prospective Navy or Marine Corps officers, midshipmen must set the example and must not conduct themselves in such a way that indicates questionable personal morals, or is not consistent with the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. These high standards apply equally to each and every midshipman in the Brigade. </p>

<p>Contact our Public Affairs Office at 410-293-2292, or <a href="mailto:pao@usna.edu">pao@usna.edu</a> should you have any questions.</p>

<p>Respectfully,</p>

<p>CAPT Helen Dunn
Chief of Staff</p>

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<p>I think keeping the USNA, all the midshipmen, Owens and the female mid in our prayers tonight might be time well spent.</p>

25

<p>Yep. Let the system work.</p>

<p>Either way, we've got a nice big black eye.</p>

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<p>Judging by some of the posts on this thread it is pretty evident how society as a whole still reflects the same issues that the academies are trying to come to grips with. Addressing people as "sweetheart" or telling anecdotal stories about loose women at bars certainly doesn't help matters much, nor does it do anything except shine a light at the heart of the problem which is that old double standard---boys will be boys, thats to be expected, but girls........
Its the responsiblity of BOTH men and women to treat each other with respect and to act responsibly, whether they are in the military or working at the post office.</p>

<p>As far as "women don't belong in a combat zone"----RUBBISH
NO ONE belongs in a combat zone--but both men and women serve there because their nation has called upon them, and both contribute. </p>

<p>"women are more valuable than men when it comes to war."---What a blatently ignorant and insulting statement to those men and women who are today sacrificing their lives for this nation. The very statement implies that either women can't "hack it" or they belong at home raising babies and cooking supper. Tell that to the woman they buried at the West Point Cemetary last fall.</p>

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<p>"Judging by some of the posts on this thread it is pretty evident how society as a whole still reflects the same issues that the academies are trying to come to grips with. Addressing people as "sweetheart" or telling anecdotal stories about loose women at bars certainly doesn't help matters much, nor does it do anything except shine a light at the heart of the problem which is that old double standard---boys will be boys, thats to be expected, but girls........
Its the responsiblity of BOTH men and women to treat each other with respect and to act responsibly, whether they are in the military or working at the post office."
-shogun</p>

<p>Your sentiments bear repeating. Thank you.</p>

<p>usna09mom</p>

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<p>
[quote]
"women are more valuable than men when it comes to war."---What a blatently ignorant and insulting statement to those men and women who are today sacrificing their lives for this nation. The very statement implies that either women can't "hack it" or they belong at home raising babies and cooking supper. Tell that to the woman they buried at the West Point Cemetary last fall.

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</p>

<p>What is blatant here is your inability to see past what you want to see.</p>

<p>But hey. It's a free country. I guess I'm some kind of barbarian because I'd rather see men blown apart and buried in military cemetaries than women.</p>

<p>Modern feminism: You can't tell a woman she's a value to society, but you can put her in the path of bullets and POW camps.</p>

<p>Fine. :rolleyes:</p>

<p>And if you can't hack being called "sweetheart", then you bloody well should reconsider a lifestyle that involves getting shot at.</p>

<p>Oh, and I don't buy the "boys will be boys" crap. Take a look at what I said should happen to this guy if the charge is true. </p>

<p>Modern feminism 2: Attack with the usual "boys will be boys" ploy despite all the facts to the contrary.</p>

29

<p>shogun,</p>

<p>I think you need to re-read what Zaphod was saying, I think you might have gone a little overboard. I don't think Zaphod is implying that women don't contribute at all. I believe, and correct me if I am wrong (Zaphod), he was coming from a protective standpoint. I think he was thinking more along the lines about severe torture (or death) by the enemy; for example, a woman being raped in combat or having their head chopped off. Protecting your people is NEVER a wrong thing to do, always when practical ("Constitutional Paradigm"). We are living in a time when the enemy doesn't play by the rules and I think Zap was worried about the treatment of women. </p>

<p>Shogun, I hear what you are saying, and as long as any citizen, regardless of sex, race, etc. is willing to accept the possibility of inhumane torture, regardless of what it is, and willing to risk their lives for it and live by the Code of Conduct...let them, but it is a two-way street!</p>

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<p>No, Jadler! I'm a sexist pig because I consider women more valuable to society than men!</p>

<p>There was once a time where it was considered honorable for men to die in order to save the women, but in today's world that's considered sexist. </p>

<p>Lovely, eh? And then women have the audacity to complain that there are no gentlemen in the world anymore. Why bother? We're not appreciated anymore, and are openly attacked when so much as opening a door for a lady.</p>

<p>:rolleyes:</p>

<p>I appreciate the defense, though. :)</p>

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<p>Don't consider it defense! I just thought I saw your argument from a different side, which it seems that there are some parallels....sacrificing for women...not wanting to see them being tortured....as you say, being a gentleman.</p>

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<p>Zaphod, that attitude reflects exactly why the academies and society are NOT what they were 15 years ago. Times have changed and thats not all bad. This isn't the result of "modern feminism" whatever the heck THAT is -- its just recognizing whats wrong and doing whats right. Nations don't go to war to protect their women and children---war is an instrument of national policy and national self defense.</p>

<p>By the way, in today's world, a gentlemen is one who treats others with respect (men and women). He opens doors for both ladies and other gentlemen. He understands that just because he opens one door for a woman doesn't give him the right to close another.</p>

<p>It would be nice for each of us to live in a world where all of our societal "norms" are obeyed, but in the real world women are just as smart, just as savy, and deserve just as much opportunity to serve their nation in combat (or not) as men. A dead man on the battlefield is no worse and no better than a dead woman. We need to keep finding ways to prevent both from happening. Heck, maybe if it weren't only men doing most of the fighting and dying mankind might find a way to do less of it.</p>

<p>Good discussion.</p>

33

<p>OK, I'll bite. Let's not forget that women can be just as devious, devisive, cruel and kiss-a** as men also....all being equal....:D</p>

<p>Oh... and I definitely hold more doors (and more patiently) for women and children than I do for men. Guess I'm a sexist pig right along with ya Zaphod... And...its not to impress them, or protect their physical or other "frailties". I guess it is just simple respect....something I was raised to offer toward every person, but especially toward women and children. It does bother me that some people think it is OK to have a problem with that perspective.</p>

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<p>I know I'd be generally more shaken for each women lost on the battlefield, than for each man lost. Don't know why that is really. How about you women? Do you feel a greater loss for men or women killed in action? Any ideas why either way?</p>

<p>I whole-heartedly believe in any persons right to serve and put themselves unselfishly in harms way for our freedom.</p>

35

<p>Throughout history, and regardless of motivation, wars have been fought by men- not because they are braver, smarter, stronger, less valuable, etc......but because the very survival of the society depends on protecting those that can bear children, and the children that will propel the society for yet another generation. Kill off all the men, save few, and society will still survive; kill a generation of women and their children and there will be no society left to fight over. Such as been demonstrated over and over- with the loss of many great civilizations standing testiment.</p>

<p>This is not to devalue anyone's contribution towards the cause. The crime here is that wars have to be fought in the first place.</p>

<p>As for the academies, there is definately a place for women, just as there is for men. Life happens- its the choices that get made that can steer things in a positive or negative direction.</p>

<p>I agree with Zaphod that if the parties- either the one making the claim or the one standing accused- prove to have made the wrong choice- either by action, word or deed- then they deserve to suffer the consequences. In the end, there are only 2 people that will ever know what really happened; the best we can pray for is for the truth to come out.</p>

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<p>History in respect of the absolute need for women to carry forward a generation is in flux and that "definition" for society survival will stand not much longer, like it or not. Science is changing this perspective as we speak and it is only a matter of time until "gender" as we historically know it, will not matter in terms of civilization survival. Societal pressures to "equalize" women's (and same sex partners') role in society to that of men will certainly hasten this eventuality.</p>

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<p>Well that may be, but as of now it is still outside the realm of what today's science can accomplish.</p>

<p>We can retrieve sperm from deceased males. We can freeze eggs. We can arrange for fertilization in a tube. What we cannot do is provide 9 months of gestation outside the environment of the womb.</p>

<p>And while we can change men's physical appearance to mimic that of a woman, internally things remain very, very different- science has yet to work out all that plumbing, and all the estrogen in the world will not make a gender-altered male produce eggs.</p>

<p>So while it might be something to look forward to in the future, frankly I like the way things are now, and messing with genetics to that extent is something I do not relish.</p>

<p>However, it would be an interesting experiment to see how long a single-gender human entity, capable of self-fertilization, would fare- and should science ever get to that point, no doubt it would play the odds with choosing the stronger of the sexes- and we all know which one that is! ;)</p>

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<p>In an earlier post you mention that you have two young daughters. What are your thoughts if in a few years they desire to attend the USNA?<br>
Based on your experience as a male in the academy what advice would you give them?<br>
What are the do's and don'ts of living among >3000 men for 4 years?
What area of service selection do most women choose?<br>
Do you feel some areas of service are better than others for women? If so, please elaborate.</p>

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<p>everyone should definately wait before they start pointing fingers. i think it's a shame that the suspect's name gets released but not the victim's. the girl could very easily be crying rape to avoid a conduct offense, but now owens's name is being dragged through the mud while she enjoys anonymity. if it turns out that the allegations are false, he will still be looked on with suspicion, yet the girl is still anonymous.</p>

<p>also, i don’t have facts but i can almost guarantee that more rapes, reported and unreported, go on at civilian colleges. the only reason the public hears about these are because they happen at government institutions. overemphasis of the minority distorts the view of reality, so don’t let fears of sexual harassment deter you from coming to the academy. it is definitely more clean and safe than other college campuses.</p>

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<p>Yikes...where is this discussion headed. Geena Davis for President!!!!</p>