I am questioning the column “Attendance at a party is not a ‘yes’ to sex” (Exponent 4/8). This column did not properly reflect Alex Knepper’s attitude in The Eagle. The irrational assumptions of his opinions are downright slander. I am not saying that this man went about his issues with date-rape claims in the proper fashion; he does take many attacks upon the feminist community. But this Exponent column is an embarrassment to the journalistic community.

Knepper says a woman is indicating that she would want sex by heading back to a man’s room with him after a party. I have not done the research, but I feel confident saying that if a girl goes back to a boy’s room while intoxicated, she is not headed there to talk about the weather or feelings. Knepper used the word “indicating” specifically because he is not saying that a woman is giving up all rights to refuse and completely agreeing to have sex with the man no questions asked. Still, it is not the common code of courtesy to ask, while hammered, “Hey, is it cool if we have sex?” Especially when the sex is anonymous. The heat of the moment leads to things that may be regretted in the morning, but not at the time of the act.

Date-rape is a very blurry area. This sort of vaguely described term is abused by some who claim date-rape after having sex with someone that they never would have if they were sober. Knepper is not addressing the issue of women saying no and then being forced into sex. He is speaking on the issue of women saying yes at the time and then going back on their word calling the sexual act “date-rape.”

People may have some skewed perceptions of what a fraternity man really is, probably based on the media’s portrayal of them. But such bold, uninformed and downright stupid ideas about them in a public media outlet is plainly and simply foolish.

Please refrain from publishing articles that are not based in fact. Having an article based solely on opinions and rash generalizations is a disgrace to UW-Platteville students.

Tom Brady
Mechanical Engineering
Freshman