The list continues to grow every day of the many people accused of sexual harassment in the United States. Starting almost a year ago women and men have come out sharing their stories of being sexually assaulted among celebrities, political figures, and people in everyday life. From U.S. politicians, TV hosts, and actors to massage therapists the list continues to grow each week and there seems to be no end in sight.

Ever since Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual assault from over 80 women more and more people have felt more comfortable to share their stories of sexual harassment. In the past months over 60 public figures have been accused, very few of which have been reprimanded for their actions. This is not unusual, according to RAINN (The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) “In 1000 rapes, 994 perpetrators will walk free.”

The Panther decided to turn to students to hear what they have to say about the subject. “I think that the people in charge of these acts should receive consequences and further actions like making sure victims get the help they need, continuing to shed light on the issue or making stricter laws regarding sexual harassment should be made,” said Sophia Saturino ’18.

Wyatt De Valle ’20 finds the justice system particularly unfair, “I find it a little odd that when some famous people are accused of sexual harassment we immediately ridicule them while a presidential candidate has clear evidence of sexually harassing women and we find a way to just look past that and then elect him as the leader of our country? That seems off to me.”

“Only 334 out of every 1000 sexual assaults are reported, meaning 2 out of 3 assaults go unreported,” according to the RAINN website. Most victims feel uncomfortable sharing their stories because they feel that police won’t be able to help. Ellie Malone ’18 said, “It pains me to see so many women (and some men) come forward sharing these terrible experiences, but I am also deeply inspired by their courageousness. It’s difficult to open up about sexual assault because typically it isn’t taken very seriously as an important topic. I really hope this wave of openness really wakes up society to make a change.”