The Cornell 7
Have you seen the case out of Cornell University that has been coming up in the news? It’s an older story that is being brought to light because of the results of the charges. A young woman went out with her friend. She did, unfortunately, choose to indulge in underage drinking - and take a drug. That never excuses what happened to her next.
This young woman’s male friend from the University took advantage of her state and continued to force her to have drugs. He then sent out a text and messages to his frat brothers and friends to say there was a young woman they could have sex with (my very clean version of what he had to say). For hours, this young woman was repeatedly raped and given more drugs.
After the case occurred, only two of the seven men who abused her were expelled. She left the university and other young men were punished by being required to write essays. This was sad, but not uncommon. The thing that has surprised me the most is the eerie silence among the church and Christian influencers on this story. Maybe I’ve missed the statements, but I have not seen a lot.
At Tirzah, part of our mission is to stand up for women - no matter what decisions they made that may make others ask why she was responsible. I’ve heard people, in general, make statements like “don’t drink” and “don’t do drugs”. That’s avoiding holding others accountable. It is actually a matter that happens across the United States.
In about 2018, I went to a movie premiere for a movie called “I Am Evidence”. This movie showed how countless rape kits across America get put on shelves and never checked. The process for checking these women to see if they have been raped can feel as traumatizing as the rape itsself. If women don’t do these tests, they are questioned if they are lying. It’s the story of countless women and women whose stories I have personally heard.
No woman deserves to have her trust destroyed in this way. These behaviors are never okay. Be careful where you go and who you go with. Most importantly, follow Jesus and His ways. He gives guidance and rules to our lives to add a layer of protection. It doesn’t mean nothing will ever happen. But, it will make your life easier.
The Bible asks us to stand up against injustice. We cannot change what happened to these girls. But, we can be someone who is aware and stands against these things moving forward. If you would like to learn more about the rape kit backlog and what to do in situations like this, please check out this website: https://www.endthebacklog.org/
I will be very straightforward and tell you Planned Parenthood was the one who sponsored the “I Am Evidence” documentary. It was information I needed. The “End the Backlog” website may not be of the same beliefs as Tirzah, but they have great information on understanding what is going on with rape kits and how to help someone who has been raped. Tirzah has not and will never endorse abortions, but there is grace and healing for those who have experienced it.