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There is no effect of alcohol abuse more devastating
than resultant acts of violence against women. Even though the influence
of alcohol is not present in every instance of sexual harassment,
assault, and date/acquaintance or gang rape, in most cases intoxication
is a significant contributing factor.
At Sigma Nu, we make no mistake about it! Rape is
a heinous crime. Not only are such abhorrent sexual abuses against
the law of the land, they are also against moral law, a law implicit
in the philosophical underpinnings of the Legion of Honor. Any amount
of rationalization will not negate that hard truth. You will hear
on Rhodes College's campus today that many do not understand what is rape
and what is not. They say, "That's where the problem begins"
and suggest "Some men erroneously think that when a woman has
agreed to be with him in his room or in some other secluded place,
she inherently agrees to a sexual encounter." Be aware, once
and for all, that a woman has a right (indeed a responsibility)
to refuse, and should have to say "No" only once. Rhodes College
officials will tell you, "Don't make the situation confrontational.
We take her word for it. If she is too intoxicated to make a responsible
decision, then it's up to us to abstain." The civil and criminal
courts tend to agree.
Men who cajole women, or force themselves on them,
exhibit the lowest form of wuss-like behavior. They leave no question
about their lack of self-control, immaturity, mindlessness, or being
a slave to the ill-fated macho "score all you can" fallacy.
They are not honorable men, and clearly not Sigma Nu material. They
may need professional counseling and, if that fails, incarceration.
Many a male college student has paid the penalty
of being accused of rape — endured the humiliation of a grueling
court trial, heavy fines, and even jail sentences. His life, not
to mention that of his hapless victim, is destroyed. We don't let
this happen to us. Our parents and Rhodes College expects more from us. The
freedoms we enjoy at college today introduce a moral challenge.
Do self-interests and instant biological gratification supersede
responsibility and compassion for others? Every Sigma Nu must address
that question when deciding whether one is a "Gentleman of
Honor" or an unrestrained boy, even a criminal.
By avoiding an illegal act we may regret the rest
of our life, we will avoid having to struggle with the moral issue
as well.

It's The Law Resources
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