American University Erupts Over Date Rape

 

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"This has actually gotten to be such a hot topic that there are a lot of sororities that will not allow their girls to be at a fraternity house if there is any alcohol present," he said.

American University officials have now weighed in on the firestorm, writing a letter to the editor of the Eagle. .

"We emphasized our support for students on all levels and for free speech even if we find it offensive," said university spokeswoman Camille Lepre.

"We want to create a safe environment for all, and we do not tolerate rape in any form," she said. "We have been stunned and mobilized by the [newspaper] opinion on date rape."

The school has a policy for handling date rape cases, but promised an "enhanced statement on rights, responsibilities and resources" concerning date rape, which is currently under active review for approval.

Courtesy Washington City Paper

A sign is posted above a newspaper stand for... View Full Caption

A sign is posted above a newspaper stand for the American University Eagle in response to a column by a gay columnist that set off a firestorm over the weekend charging that some women who claim date rape deserve it. Close

But some students say the date rape policy is long overdue and the university has dragged its heels for two years.

"The campus is really tense and so volatile right now," said Kerrigan Scrimshire, a 24-year-old graduate student. "The administration has been hands off on this issue. Date rape is very real and services are lacking."

Meanwhile, Knepper has offered to have a "public conversation" with the university's Women's Initiative, whose director, Sarah Brown, wrote a letter to the editor, calling his column "irresponsible and shameful."

Knepper said Brown refused.

"Of course men have to behave themselves," he said. "These are freedoms women have fought for -- the same opportunities and ability to go into these sexual realms. But they have the same risk and responsibilities.

"There is a pattern of infantilizing women," he said. "If they have too much to drink and do something stupid, they still have to be responsible for their actions."

If you are a survivor of date rape, you can find help at RAINN's anonymous online hotline.

ABC's Loren Grush from the University of Texas contributed to the report.