Editor,
I write this letter in response to Holly Bogenholm’s letter in the last issue of the paper. I agree with Holly that fraternities can be unsafe places for women on campus.
But Holly fails to applaud Dean of Students Randy Boeglin for his swift and purposeful actions after the rape. The fraternity will be suspended, sending the message that this crime of power and domination will be punished.
Unfortunately, Holly also fails to see the importance and validity of the message from UNM Police Lt. Omtvedt for women about safety. Lt. Omtvedt tells women they should “not put themselves in situations where they increase the possibility of harm for themselves or their friends.” I feel this is good piece of advice, and not in any way an example of “blame the victim.”
Rape is never, never okay, and it is never, never the victim’s fault, but to assume that grown women cannot and should not be smart and take steps to keep themselves safe victimizes us all.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
-Danielle Bishop
Advertising student
