This morning I was dismayed to read the top headline of the Daily: “Tate found not guilty in rape trial.”

I was dismayed because I know that this story hits close to home for many ISU women.

Think back to when you were a freshman and everything was new. You had freedom to do whatever you wanted. Maybe you were naive and a little too trusting. Maybe you found yourself in a situation similar to this one.

Things got out of control before you could even realize what was going on. If it hasn’t happened to you, I can guarantee it has happened to someone you know. Maybe it was your sister or your best friend. Maybe it has even happened to your girlfriend.

As the attorney for the county stated, only one out of 170 sexual abuse cases are reported. Why? Because women are scared, confused and embarrassed. The defense asked the question why Ms. Elsasser did not ask to be taken to the hospital. Quite frankly, if I had been in that situation I would not have had the presence of mind to ask that. My only instinct would be to go home and curl up in bed and try to forget it ever happened. To confide in anyone about the event would take an enormous amount of trust. And to come forward in a public trial to try to see that justice is done takes a great deal of courage, and Kara should be commended and feel very proud of herself for doing that.

As to the outcome of the trial, I feel there was an injustice committed. Kara was in one of my classes, and she is one of the nicest people I’ve met. I cannot believe for a moment that she would falsely accuse someone.

Guys, please learn something from this case. Next time you feel your sexually peaked hormones getting the better of your conscience, run the other way as fast as you can. Do something totally unheard of — be a gentleman and just take her home.

Maggie Ryan

Junior

Environmental science