In regards to the “It’s Lit – Winona State University” YouTube video – I must say I am extremely disappointed in the University’s response. First, the e-mail from Denise McDowell, vice president for enrollment management and student life. The e-mail was extremely victim blaming in a culture that already slut shames, victim blames, and does not take victims seriously in any crime.
For example, Ms. McDowell states, “I encourage you to think about your behaviors in connection to your academic career and your future plans in life. More importantly, in this moment, I encourage you to think about your connection and representation of yourself, your peers and family, and Winona State University. Every choice has a consequence, and what seems like a night of fun now could potentially impact scholarship opportunities, internship applications and even career options. College is a transformational time in your life. It’s up to you how that transformation occurs.”
Not only does this really focus on Winona State’s image but it does not take into account the victims of the video. Women were groped without consent, many were too drunk to legally consent to much that night as well, and one man was passed out on a driveway with no one helping him. Instead of just reaching out to the victims in the video they focused on Winona State’s image and victim blamed the students. The consequences are not fair to the victims, especially since I can promise you almost all those employed with WSU have parties like that and then talk to us to watch our actions? They should realize for example how vulnerable you are when drinking, especially inexperienced drinkers. Just because you choose to party does not mean you deserve to be victim blamed, or even choose to be recorded.
WSU, I felt, used this as an example to lecture student about actions, to victim blame, and ignored the rape culture in the video, and only sent the e-mail out to save the name of Winona State. I am constantly disappointed about how our administration handles situations including this one. Even though I e-mailed Ms. McDowell about how victim blaming the language was, and all I got back was a “sorry it was taken that way” which is not apologizing for the language but apologizing for how I took it. I feel WSU continually only cares for its name, reputation and the money it receives – not the students. This is not the first incident administration has poorly handle, and sadly I do not think it will be the last.
Kathreen Smith, senior
Majors: Economics, Political Science, and Communication Studies
