In 2007, a Montana teacher named Stacey Rambold raped a 14-year-old girl who later ended up committing suicide. On Monday, Baugh gave him 15 years in prison for his crimes — but suspended all but 30 days of that sentence. And when arguing the case, Baugh noted that the 14-year-old girl was acting “older than her chronological age” and “as much in control of the situation” as the 49-year-old teacher who raped her.
In response to Baugh’s comments, more than 30,000 people signed onto a MoveOn.org petition calling for the judge’s resignation, and members of the community rallied outside the courthouse in Billings, Montana to demand justice for the victim.
This is yet another example of the fact that for all the work that’s been done in our society, we still have a hell of a long way to go to ensure justice for all victims of sexual assault.
Thanks Zach. Another example of “rape culture.”