The Cornell 7 Case Proves We’re Still Trapped in a Rape Culture Déjà Vu

The Cornell 7 case proves we’re still trapped in a rape culture déjà vu

Three years ago, I wrote an article for The Conversation Canada about rape culture when actor Danny Masterson went to jail for sexual assault. His friends from That ’70s Show, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, had written letters of support for him because he was a such a great friend and they wanted the judge to be lenient in sentencing. I argued this episode illustrated several elements of what is called rape culture — so-called good guys don’t r…

The Cornell 7: No More Excuses

By Kira Rich Editorial Editor For college students, “It was just a party” can sound like an explanation. For survivors of sexual assault, it can become an excuse. The Cornell 7 are seven students of Cornell University who were accused of sexually assaulting another student at a Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. The case […]

Beyond the Cornell 7: The Bigger Problem of Rape Culture in College Fraternities

In the last few weeks, a lawsuit alleging a gang rape committed by members of a Cornell University fraternity has gained significant media attention. The anonymous victim, going by the alias “Jane Doe,” alleges she was coerced into taking drugs and assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. This problem is not specific to Cornell, but rather is one small part of a system that glorifies, encourages, and protects sexual violence.  <p>Th…

Brothers and Bystanders: If fraternities focus on character, why do rape allegations continue?

A recent lawsuit alleging a gang rape took place at a Cornell University off-campus fraternity house has raised concerns about Greek life culture, but lawyers who represent Greek-letter organizations say that if the behavior occurred, it was carried out by individuals, not the organizations.