How do we explain a mere six-month sentence for sexual assault to our daughters?
On January 18, 2014, 19-year-old Jason Parker was apprehended after two students on bicycles witnessed him assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster on a college campus. They intervened, tackled him, and immediately contacted the authorities. The sight was so disturbing that one of the students struggled to speak through his tears during the police interview.
Parker was charged with multiple felonies, including sexual assault of an unconscious person. He was released on bail and subsequently withdrew from his university, which barred him from campus and removed his athletic profile. It seemed, for once, that a university was taking sexual assault seriously.
Parker has claimed his “intentions were not to harm anyone,” despite being caught in the act. It’s hard to believe that a jury would let him off the hook, right? But he was ultimately convicted of three felonies: assault with intent to commit sexual assault, and penetration of an intoxicated and unconscious person. Yet Judge Morgan sentenced him to just six months in county jail.
Six months. With good behavior, he might serve only three. The judge stated, “A prison sentence would have a severe impact on him … I believe he will not pose a danger to others.” Facing a maximum of 14 years, Parker received a slap on the wrist. The judge, a former college athlete himself, seemed swayed by Parker’s supposed remorse and plans to raise awareness about alcohol consumption and its consequences.
But Parker’s “remorse” was misdirected; he blamed alcohol and “promiscuity,” as if these factors absolve him of his actions. He is not in trouble for drinking or being promiscuous; he is a rapist.
Ironically, Parker’s own defense attorney acknowledged the outrage that would arise if his daughter were the victim. The brave young woman Parker assaulted delivered a powerful 12-page impact statement in court, beginning with, “You don’t know me, but you’ve been inside me.” This letter has the potential to empower victims and ignite change.
In her statement, she made a crucial point: “This isn’t about campus drinking culture; this is about sexual assault. If you want to educate students about drinking, go to an AA meeting. Teach men to respect women, not to drink less.”
Parker’s lack of accountability is disturbing, as he focused on his alcohol consumption rather than the crime he committed. The discussions surrounding his case have been heavily influenced by rape culture, which often shifts blame onto victims. The media narrative began with descriptions of a fraternity party’s atmosphere, highlighting the amount of alcohol consumed by both Parker and his victim, as if this somehow mitigated the severity of his actions.
Judge Morgan justified his leniency by citing Parker’s age and lack of prior offenses. Should we really be lenient with someone who assaulted an unconscious woman? This sends a clear message to our children: it’s acceptable to violate someone when they can’t fight back.
Parker has never admitted to the assault; only his drinking habits have been addressed. The questions his victim faced during the trial reveal a troubling tendency to scrutinize her actions while overlooking Parker’s crimes.
Despite the shortcomings of the judicial system, Parker’s victim stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. She concluded her statement with a message to all young women: “I am with you. Never stop fighting; you are powerful, respected, and worthy.”
In the end, while the courtroom may have failed her, her voice resonates strongly, providing hope and encouragement for victims everywhere.
For more information on home insemination, check out this link here. If you’re looking for an effective solution for home insemination, consider this resource here. Also, for an excellent overview of pregnancy and IVF, you can find valuable information here.
Summary
Judge Morgan’s lenient six-month sentence for Jason Parker, a convicted rapist, raises serious questions about the justice system and its impact on victims. The brave woman he assaulted delivered a powerful statement, highlighting the need to address sexual assault and promote respect for women.