University Of North Carolina Rape Victim May Be Expelled For Speaking About Her Case

[octoberlib]

A college sophomore at the University of North Carolina is being sent to the school’s “Honor Court” and may be expelled for speaking publicly about her rape.
University officials are alleging that Landen Gambill is being “disruptive” or “intimidating” her rapist by going public with her story of sexual assault, despite the fact that Gambill has not even publicly identified her rapist.
Most likely, UNC’s action against the student is revenge. Gambill’s story first came to light as part of a case against the school in which a former assistant dean accused UNC of intentionally under-reporting cases of sexual assault. Gambill was one of three students providing evidence to prove the dean’s case. After it went public, Gambill publicly addressed the failings of UNC’s system, reporting that they “were not only offensive and inappropriate, but they were so victim-blaming… They made it seem like my assault was completely my fault.” The school even tried to leverage her suicide attempt, which happened after her sexual abuse, against her.
Calling her into the Honor Court can be seen as the latest attempt to silence the young girl. Jezebel reports that Gambill received her first threat from a school attorney about one month ago, on January 29th. On February 22nd, Gambill received a formal accusation calling her in to the court.
The Honor Code may also specify that rape falls under “the University’s Policy on Prohibited Harassment,” but Gambill’s rapist remains on campus. In fact, Gambill lives across the street from her assailant.
But while UNC’s administration’s reaction couldn’t be worse, Gambill’s peers are trying to bring attention to the issue. Students have organized protests at the school, and have vocally defended Gambill in college papers. Their power might not stand up against institutionalized biases, but they spark a much-needed conversation. After all, UNC is not alone in its mishandling of rape culture and its ineffective sexual assault policies; colleges across the country are failing on these same fronts.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/02/25/1636481/north-carolina-rape-expel/

[alp227]

1. The expulsion threats = a big UNCYA. n/t

[FBaggins]

2. Has there been a finding of fact in either direction?

This seems like they're dealing with tangential matters rather than the real issue.

[octoberlib]

3. She originally took her rape case before the Honor Court

but I can find no information on the verdict. Since the accused (an ex-boyfriend) is still living across the street from her , I don't think the university took any action. I assume he would have been expelled if found guilty .

[unc70]

4. He was found not guilty by the Honor Court

Something is not right about this case, but I don't know just what part. She could have gone to the Chapel Hill police. Her story about the University Police and the Honor Court doesn't quite hang together. The ex-BF was found not guilty by the Honor Court.

This situation appears to go back to their high school days. Lots of conflicting claims and comments. I have no way to judge the veracity of any of them, but appears to be a muddle. The UNC admin cannot legally comment on most aspects. Suppose they will be forced to by the Federal suit.