Respect the “No”

Written in 12/2020

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Misconduct occurs against people of all genders and identities, at Stanford and elsewhere.

The absence of “no” does not mean a yes.

In my high school, a fellow student, 15-year-old Audrie Pott, committed suicide after 3 boys sexually assaulted and cyberbullied her.

Audrie Pott was unconscious the entire time. The 3 boys drew and wrote crude remarks on her body after they sexually assaulted her. They took nude photos of her and posted them online. People victim shamed and humiliated Audrie.

Audrie Pott hanged herself. The boys spent less than 2 months in juvenile hall and remained in school. To this day, people question if the boys deserved any punishment. I worked in journalism and helped report on the years-long legal battle that ensued. 

Audrie’s life departed so suddenly. I was a freshman sitting in biology class when the loudspeaker crackled to life. A terse voice announced that Audrie had passed away. Audrie was 15. She didn’t have an opportunity to continue her education, go to college, or speak out.

Audrie, the world’s still fighting for you.