Sexual Assault at San Jose State University

TW: Mentions of Sexual Assault and Rape

In the past few months, the world has witnessed a surge in the #MeToo movement. Victims found strength in numbers. Encouraged by the stories and bravery of other victims, individuals began to come forward with their personal sexual assault and rape stories. From the fervor of the movement, sexual assault claims have risen against staff members in the athletics department at San Jose State University.

Sage Hopkins, who is the womens’ swimming and diving coach at SJSU, recently accused the president and athletics director of covering up sexual assault allegations at the university. The man accused of sexual assault is Scott Shaw, an athletic trainer at SJSU. Allegations were originally brought up against Shaw in 2009, but his name was cleared. His case remained closed until this year, despite the new accusations. Many speculate that the case was hushed up in order to preserve the dignity and integrity of the university.

Hopkins was inspired to speak up after learning about Larry Nassar. Nassar was a doctor for the United States womens’ gymnastics team. Several of the gymnasts he treated through his career united to accuse him of sexual assault. Hopkins stated that he witnessed similarities between his swimmers and the abused gymnasts. Their concerns were dismissed; they were told that nothing illicit had occurred. According to the trainers and the administration, they had simply failed to understand the nature and benefits of the treatment. By hushing up the case, the school effectively shut down concerns.

By belittling the athletes, the abusers engaged in a form of victim blaming. Victim blaming is a common practice that often results in the stigmatization of sexual assault. By indicating or implying that the sexual assault is the fault of the victim, those in power ensure that society remains in a cycle of demeaning victims and acquitting perpetrators.

Doctors swear an oath to protect and aid patients to the best of their abilities. This case details the story of yet another medical professional who used his power to abuse others. In addition, the majority of the San Jose State University officials who swept the case under the rug are female. Instead of empathizing with the victims and drawing from their female experience to form rational decisions, they decided to overlook the welfare of their students. Their actions go to show that they value prestige and the upkeep of their reputation far more than they value their students.

In order to move forward as a society, we must create spaces where victims feel comfortable opening up about their experiences. Those in power must trust that victims are speaking their truths. Every single member of society needs to educate themselves on sexual assault and rape. We must come together and realize that it is far more beneficial to accidentally trust a liar than defend a rapist.