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Hey Judge Thompson, How Do We Explain a Six-Month Sentence for Rape to Our Daughters?
Foster faced five serious felony charges: rape of an intoxicated person, rape of an unconscious person, sexual penetration with a foreign object of an intoxicated woman, sexual penetration with a foreign object of an unconscious woman, and assault with intent to commit rape. Even after being arrested, he was released on a hefty $150,000 bail.
Caught red-handed, he withdrew from Stanford, which barred him from campus and removed him from the swim team. It seemed like the institution was taking the right steps in addressing the assault. Foster, however, maintained that he never intended to harm anyone. How do you defend yourself when you’re literally caught assaulting an unresponsive woman?
Ultimately, he was convicted on three felony counts: assault with intent to commit rape, penetration of an intoxicated person, and penetration of an unconscious person. But then, Judge Thompson dropped the bombshell: a mere six-month sentence in county jail. With good behavior, he could be out in three.
“A prison sentence would have a severe impact on him,” the judge claimed. Foster had been facing a maximum of 14 years behind bars, but instead, he received a slap on the wrist. The judge, a former athlete himself, seemed swayed by Foster’s expressions of remorse and his plans to educate college students about the dangers of excessive drinking.
But let’s get real—Foster’s “remorse” felt more like an excuse, as he shifted the blame onto alcohol and “sexual promiscuity.” It’s crucial to note that sexual promiscuity has nothing to do with the crime of rape. He wasn’t being sentenced for his drinking habits; he was being sentenced for being a rapist.
In a twist of irony, Foster’s own defense attorney expressed disbelief at the leniency of the sentence, stating that if his daughter were the victim, he would be “livid” and demanding a serious punishment. A powerful impact statement was delivered by the brave young woman he assaulted, beginning with, “You don’t know me, but you’ve been inside me, and that’s why we’re here today.” This letter is a must-read, offering solace to victims who may feel isolated.
She poignantly pointed out how the focus should be on teaching men to respect women rather than discussing campus drinking culture. “If you want to talk to high school kids about drinking, go to an AA meeting,” she said. “Show men how to respect women, not how to drink less.”
The failure to hold Foster accountable is a glaring example of rape culture, which often blames victims and normalizes male aggression. The media played into this narrative by emphasizing the alcohol consumption of both parties, framing it as if both were equally to blame for what happened that night. But let’s be clear: she was unconscious; she had no agency in the situation.
Judge Thompson cited Foster’s age and clean record as reasons for his leniency. What does it say about our justice system when we give a pass to someone who has never been caught assaulting an unconscious woman before? The message sent is alarming: men can get away with heinous acts if they have a spotless record.
In the courtroom, the victim faced a barrage of invasive questions about her life and choices, all while Foster sat there, never admitting to his wrongdoing. The victim’s statement resonated with strength: she declared herself a lighthouse, shining light on the path for others. “To girls everywhere, I am with you. I fought every day for you,” she concluded.
We must remember that this young woman is a beacon of resilience, not the perpetrator who’s benefiting from a system that too often protects rapists. It’s time to challenge the narratives we’re fed and demand real justice, because our daughters deserve better.
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In summary, the six-month sentence for a serious crime sends a troubling message to our daughters and sons about accountability and justice. It reminds us that we must keep fighting against a system that often fails victims and enables perpetrators.