Sexual Assault

New Ruling in India Furthers Sexual Assault Culture

In January 2021, a high court in India made a startling sexual assault ruling, declaring that groping without skin-to-skin contact does not constitute sexual assault. The case has garnered outrage across the country, drawing attention to the unresolved problem of sexual abuse and rape against women and minors. Instituting a ruling like this undermines the progress that activists have made regarding children’s and women’s right to safety in India and bolsters an already rampant culture of sexual crimes within the nation.

Our campus community must now think radically, not reactively

BY ZOË BARNSTONE-CLARK ’19

The recent allegations against a current Mount Holyoke professor by alumna Ruth D’Eredita ’84 sparked discussion at the executive board meeting of Mount Holyoke’s Amnesty International Chapter on Oct. 14. We chose to email the administration expressing concerns about their actions and requested they facilitate an open dialogue with students. We also contacted D’Eredita to voice our support and informed her of our intent to meet with the administration, asking if there was any specific action we could take on her behalf.

Why does the Senate refuse to believe women like Dr. Ford?

Why does the Senate refuse to believe women like Dr. Ford?

BY SRISHTI MUKHERJEE ’21

People both in the U.S. and abroad fixated on their TV screens as the chilling testimonials of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh aired on Thursday, Sept. 27. This hearing is one of the main deciding factors in whether an alleged perpetrator of sexual violence will earn a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.

You cannot separate the art from the artist

BY CASEY ROEPKE ’21

There has always been tension surrounding the question of whether one can separate the “art” from the “artist.” I don’t feel comfortable with ignoring, excusing or condoning sexual abuse and harassment simply because the abuser is important to society in a different sphere.

Mandatory reporting laws silence young victims

BY LILY REAVIS ’21

Mandatory reporting laws exist with the best interests of sexual assault survivors in mind, but they often end up perpetuating trauma, especially for young victims. The government places minimal trust in young adults and complicates their situation without consideration of their personal requests and needs.