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It's a moral panic, at least in part. Panic explains why due process is ignored and why accusations are considered unassailable. But questioning accusations is

It's a moral panic, at least in part. Panic explains why due process is ignored and why accusations are considered unassailable. But questioning accusations is not the same as denying them. And while reliving trauma is a risk it can be mitigated by using an intermediary like a lawyer or therapist. Another piece is the increasing insular nature of some institutions. Ideas ricochet within the walled gardens of higher ed, gain momentum, and lead to results that appear zany to the outside world. Focus is needed to study; but insular practices are creating campuses that are worlds unto themselves. That's not to say we shouldn't agitate against bad practices in society. Real progress is being made in the real world to combat sexual assault and sex crimes.[1] But it's hard to see how campus protestors are having any positive impact outside their hallowed halls. [1] https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2019/07/nationwide-epidemic-of-untested-rape-kits-atlantic-daily/594046/ https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2019/07/nati...

cheez 7y ago
Glad to see that this type of thing is getting reversed. If you believe all accusations without the most basic of investigations, you are on the edge of a very slippery slope. It's generally very simple to find out if someone is lying: just question them 5-6 different times about what happened. No one who is lying or exaggerating keeps their story straight. I had a friend who was the victim of a false allegation but he fought very hard and people lost their jobs over it because they didn't follow basic investigative procedures. In the end, he was out time, money and peace of mind because someone was vindictive - he wanted to break up with her. It of course helped that he was rich enough to fund a multi-pronged attack. The woman received no repercussions.
- EliRivers 7y ago
  It's generally very simple to find out if someone is lying: just question them 5-6 different times about what happened. No one who is lying or exaggerating keeps their story straight. I understand that the same can be true of people who are not lying or exaggerating. Every time we remember something, the memories change. I'd be surprised if someone managed the exact same story when questioned 5-6 different times.
  - cheez 7y ago
    That's why you don't talk to the cops, guilty or innocent
baud147258 7y ago
Regarding the Atlantic article, which puts an important emphasis on DNA proof in case of sexual assault, it was ironic to see a article linked on that page, which critiqued the reliance on DNA proof in case of sexual assault (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/a-reasonable-doubt/480747/ https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/a-reaso...)

cheez 7y ago

Glad to see that this type of thing is getting reversed. If you believe all accusations without the most basic of investigations, you are on the edge of a very slippery slope. It's generally very simple to find out if someone is lying: just question them 5-6 different times about what happened. No one who is lying or exaggerating keeps their story straight. I had a friend who was the victim of a false allegation but he fought very hard and people lost their jobs over it because they didn't follow basic investigative procedures. In the end, he was out time, money and peace of mind because someone was vindictive - he wanted to break up with her. It of course helped that he was rich enough to fund a multi-pronged attack. The woman received no repercussions.

EliRivers 7y ago
It's generally very simple to find out if someone is lying: just question them 5-6 different times about what happened. No one who is lying or exaggerating keeps their story straight. I understand that the same can be true of people who are not lying or exaggerating. Every time we remember something, the memories change. I'd be surprised if someone managed the exact same story when questioned 5-6 different times.
- cheez 7y ago
  That's why you don't talk to the cops, guilty or innocent

baud147258 7y ago

Regarding the Atlantic article, which puts an important emphasis on DNA proof in case of sexual assault, it was ironic to see a article linked on that page, which critiqued the reliance on DNA proof in case of sexual assault (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/a-reasonable-doubt/480747/ https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/a-reaso...)