Forward Progressives — Washington Post Op-Ed Appallingly Defends Teacher/Student Sexual Relationships and Rape
In fact, she built her argument around the recent case of a 49-year-old Montana high school teacher who was sentenced to 30 days in prison for the rape of a 14-year-old student. From the op-ed:
“As protesters decry the leniency of Rambold’s sentence — he will spend 30 days in prison after pleading guilty to raping 14-year-old Cherice Morales, who committed suicide at age 16 — I find myself troubled for the opposite reason. I don’t believe that all sexual conduct between underage students and teachers should necessarily be classified as rape, and I believe that absent extenuating circumstances, consensual sexual activity between teachers and students should not be criminalized.”
Now, before I go on, I do agree that some of the cases I’ve heard about where an 18 or 19-year-old has been convicted of statutory rape because they were dating a 16-year-old are kind of ridiculous. But that’s not what this woman is talking about.
She essentially says that those older adults who might target minors for sexual relationships shouldn’t always be viewed as criminals, but rather good people just needing a little “rehab.” Even when we’re talking about a 49-year-old man who took advantage of a 14-year-old girl — this shouldn’t be criminalized.
Young people challenge boundaries, including sexual boundaries. They need adults in their life who will enforce boundaries, not take advantage of their youth.