– U-M Policy on Sexual Misconduct by Students, Aug. 19, 2013
So does rape count as sexual misconduct?
In 2009, University of Michigan Football kicker Brendan Gibbons was arrested for raping a young girl at a frat party. A while later, Taylor Lewan, offensive lineman, sent text messages to Gibbons’ victim saying that he would rape her again if she pressed charges. U of M claims that these behaviors are “expressly prohibited” and “will not be tolerated”, so why do Gibbons and Lewan still wear the jersey. Gibbons is celebrated as a star kicker, and Lewan was named 2013 team captain, of all things.
There are many layers to this disgraceful situation. The University failed to respond appropriately to its students’ behavior, in direct violation of their own professed policy. Local media has failed to bring the situation into the public view. And, of course, the actions of Gibbons and Lewin are entirely unacceptable.
This blog does not exist to claim it has all the answers. It does exist to draw attention to this injustice that has been extremely skillfully pushed under the rug and to rally student support for the proper punishment to be executed against Gibbons and Lewin. As long as these types of incidences remain silent, they will continue happening.
Please visit the article written by Washtenaw Watchdogs at the begining of August of this year for more information, as well as this PDF copy of the police report: ann_arbor_police_report_re_gibbons
Related articles
- University of Michigan Captain – Rape Culture Wolverine (bradthebastard.wordpress.com)
- The Student Athlete’s Guide to Not Raping Anyone (jezebel.com)