Feminist Editor Causes Controversy at Yale Student Debate
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October 5, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Editor of feminist blog sparks controversy at Yale University student political debate in light of recent complaints from female students.
Editor of feminist blog ‘Feministe’ joined Yale University on their Political Union debate yesterday, causing controversy over her views on sexual culture and gender roles.
Jill Filipovic argued that Americans needed to challenge traditional gender roles and sexual norms which she believes are ‘dangerous’ for women at the college.
There have been on going investigations and debates as to whether the university has violated Title IX, a file of complaints from 16 students against Yale last spring alleging the university had a “hostile sexual environment” for female students.
Some students at the debate said this discussion seemed particularly relevant on a campus that has struggled with accusations of harbouring a hostile sexual environment.
Ms Filipovic said at the debate: “College sexual culture centres on men having sex with women, and everyone else is erased.
“American culture is bad for women, and college campuses are not safe places for women.”
She also said that Americans need to express what they want in a sexual relationship. The discussion drew both criticism as well as cheers from students.
Several students gave speeches both in support of and opposition to Ms Filipovic’s comments. Although she advocated for eliminating gender norms, some students argued that college life and American culture cannot be used interchangeably when talking about sexual roles and relationships.
Student Briana Pigott said at the debate yesterday: “College sexual culture does not endanger women.
“Just because American culture seeps into college campuses doesn’t mean that collegiate culture is necessarily bad for women.”
Some students found the debate to be a constructive discussion with regards to the complaints filed from students.
Ella Woods told Yale Daily News after the debate: “I think it was productive, especially talking about the paradigm of sexual relationships and gender roles.
“But at the same time, I wish they had spent less time looking at assigning fault to individuals.”
By Rebekah Bickerton
[Image courtesy of jmilles]
