New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is a staunch supporter of eviscerating due process rights for college students accused of sexual assault and the perpetuation of the myth that 20 percent of college women will be assaulted. But during her short speech at the Democratic convention, she didn’t mention the issue at all.
She talked about parental leave and the gender wage gap (which is actually an earnings gap caused by different life choices men and women make). But on one of her signature issues — campus sexual assault — she said nothing.
“Sexual assault” is mentioned in the Democratic Party platform five times. One of those mentions has to do with campuses: “Democrats will fight to bring an end to sexual assault — wherever it occurs, including on campuses — because everyone deserves a safe environment where they can learn and thrive, not live in fear,” the platform reads.
One of the other mentions has to do with the Veterans Affairs Department and the other three are in the context of military sexual assault — another subject where Gillibrand has been active legislatively.
“Due process” was mentioned twice in the platform, but neither time was referring to campus sexual assault. The closest mention came when the platform said: “We will provide comprehensive support to survivors, and ensure a fair process for all on-campus disciplinary proceedings and in the criminal justice system.” The statement contradicts itself because it is impossible to have a fair process when one side has already been deemed a “survivor.” Plus, nothing the Democrats have put forth has provided any due process rights or fairness for accused students.
Thist post has been updated.
Ashe Schow is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
