Yes, we need to educate our sons – but the Cornell 7 case is way bigger than a parenting issue

October 2, 2026 - 19:56

The recent revelation that individuals accused of an alleged gang rape at Cornell University in 2024 faced essay-writing assignments instead of arrest has ignited widespread outrage. While discussions often pivot to the necessity of educating sons on respect and consent, this reaction misses the larger, more troubling picture. The decision to assign homework rather than pursue criminal charges highlights a deep-seated failure within our institutions.

Violence against women and girls is not merely a result of poor upbringing or a few bad actors. It is a systemic issue perpetuated by judicial systems that routinely offer leniency to perpetrators, especially when they hold positions of privilege. When serious crimes are met with academic slaps on the wrist, the message sent is clear: the trauma of survivors is secondary to the comfort and future of the accused.

Focusing solely on parenting allows institutions to evade accountability. It suggests that if families simply raised better men, rape would disappear. This is a dangerous oversimplification. Real change requires a justice system that treats sexual violence with the severity it demands, ensuring that no university or court can substitute accountability with a simple writing assignment. We must demand structural reform, not just better manners.