10/03/2026
I AM JANE DOE. Hearing the Cornell 7 story unfold has like many brought out some uncomfortable and downright angry feelings.
Stay silent. Stay compliant. Don’t be so emotional. We hear it all the time. One night when I was 19, under the guise of helping me flag a cab, one of the 3 men thought it was okay to grab me inappropriately as I got in. Luckily that’s all it was. Guys laughed it off, driver said nothing and I was left feeling like it was my fault.
I was alone.
Late at night.
Didn’t check in with anyone.
Things they say not to do as a woman. Why? So I tried to forget it, but we are. Silent no more. 57 men on a group chat stayed silent while someone’s daughter, sister, friend was being hurt. Left with a lifetime of trauma. I’m angry and so should we all.
I choose to raise a boy who’s kind, listens and stands up for others. Who calls out this toxic behaviour from the first instance. Even if it costs him.
One day he’ll see a girl alone and make sure she gets home safe. 🩵