Accountability on Trial: Congressional Intimidation and Failures in Justice for Survivors
Charles and Yvette examine two connected threats to accountability: the erosion of truth-telling in public life and the systemic failures that leave survivors of sexual violence without justice. They criticize the treatment of Jack Smith during a congressional hearing as disrespectful and performative, and discuss how threats against public officials, judges, and their families can discourage people from public service. Turning to the Cornell case, they focus on group complicity, victim-blaming, and institutional inaction, arguing that universities must address harmful peer networks, hazing, and damaging online content, and that bystanders have a responsibility to intervene even when it puts social ties at risk. They call for stronger responses from law enforcement, courts, and universities, including better handling of forensic evidence and sexual-assault reports, survivor-centered procedures, and firearm restrictions for domestic-violence perpetrators. They also emphasize consent education, media literacy, and challenging language and cultural norms that objectify women, while asking how laws should change so that voluntary alcohol or drug use does not undermine rape protections.
