Off-hand remark brings focus to sexual politics

Written on September 14, 2011 by in Letters to the Editor

Editor,

I am writing to express my offense and disappointment at ASUW Sen. Noah Hull’s comments regarding sexual assault during Tuesday’s ASUW debate. During the debate over the anti-smoking resolution, ultimately passed by ASUW, a concerned student raised the issue of women having to walk off campus into potentially dark areas to smoke; And, therefore, they may increase their risk of sexual assault. Hull addressed these comments in his defense of the bill, saying, If you don’t want that to happen, don’t smoke. Sen. Alex Sullivan-Brink pointed out his comment is analogous to saying if women don’t want to put themselves at the risk of rape, they shouldn’t wear provocative clothing—an argument I’ve heard before. 

I was sexually assaulted on the UW campus at night by two men in 2004 while smoking on the west side of the Physical Science Building. Not that it matters, but I was also dressed in a turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers. I reported the assault to UW police, who investigated the case alongside the Laramie Police Department. It’s only recently that I walk across campus with little trepidation.

I found Sen. Hull’s comment to be misogynist and repugnant, and would hope he was only attempting to be flippant after an exhausting debate. I cannot imagine his statement is an accurate representation of his thoughts on sexual assault—if it is, Hull’s constituents must demand his immediate resignation. I do not believe his remark represents his true character. Throughout this debate, he was courteous and listened to people on both sides of this issue. 

However, I do believe Hull should apologize for what he said. When a sexual assault occurs, victims are often reluctant to report it because they are afraid of being blamed. I was. After all, I was smoking in a dark area on campus by myself. However, I did report it. Unfortunately, the men were never apprehended, but at least there was a chance they could have been brought to justice. It is estimated that only about 20 percent of sexual assaults are reported. This means quite a few victims never get the hope of seeing justice done, and quite a few perpetrators walk free.

I encourage Hull to apologize to the university community for his statement and urge him to work with Sen. Alex Brink on legislation aimed at educating students about sexual assault, and preventing its occurrence on campus.

Thank you,

Meg Lanker-Simons

Senior, Psychology and Pre-Law

2 Comments - Leave a comment!
  • Ashley

    Here, here! I still feel he should resign but let’s see if he has the backbone to apologize here. He half assed it online. Now he’s got to say something.

    And could we pick a better term than sexual politics?? I know Meg Lanker-Simons and her husband Andrew Simons from their political work, but I don’t think politics was at play here.

  • Sarah Lawson

    I think this is pretty reasonable. Let’s see if he says anything though. I’m kind of angry about this because as women, we always have to be on guard it seems like. Noah may not have meant what he said as victim blaming but judging by the original article, there’s people who took it that way. Thats how I took it at first.