7th Grader Raped at School, Officials Rush to Victim-Blame

Earlier this month, a 7th grader in El Cerrito, California, was allegedly raped in a stairwell in her school by an 8th grade boy that she knew. As if that assault wasn't traumatizing enough for the 12-year-old girl, school officials have been quick to question her account and engage in some old-fashioned victim blaming.

Although there were two witnesses to the attack -- one physically interceded while the other ran for help -- one of the school site supervisors, Marquita Dones, seemed wary of the victim's story, saying, "If she was being raped, why didn't she scream?" Wow. Just taking a wild guess here, but maybe she was scared? Maybe he threatened her? Perhaps she was overwhelmed, numb, or embarrassed? All good reasons.

Yet, for Ms. Dones, the fact that there were witnesses actually detracts from the victim's credibility. She adds, "Why did these students have to come up and tell us that somebody's down there?" I must have missed the day where we were told that having Good Samaritans on your side was a red flag (much like I suspect Ms. Dones missed the day where they taught about sexual assault and gave sensitivity training).

Lest we think that Ms. Dones has a monopoly on utter lack of sensitivity in this case, consider her colleague Mustapha Cannon, who blames the entire incident on "hormones gone wild." Even the school's official spokesperson, Marin Trujillo, doesn't seem to get it. "We're absolutely committed to the safety of students in all of our schools," he said. "Our hearts go out to both students for the unfortunate events that happened."

Excuse me, your heart goes out to both students? The victim and her alleged rapist get your equal sympathy?

In the aftermath of this incident, both the school principal and vice-principal were placed on paid administrative leave, but have since returned to work.  The suspect in the assault has been charged with rape and false imprisonment. He currently is being held in a juvenile detention facility. There is no word on the status of the girl.

Clearly, as the school moves forward, it needs to address not only the security of its students, but the education of the people hired to protect and defend them. It is indefensible to have school staff rush to victim-blaming following such an incident. And it is a shame that this had to happen for their short-comings to be revealed.

PHOTO CREDIT: sinister