Reginald Lamaute | Don't dismiss sexual assault allegations, even those against friends
Amid the present political firestorm in Virginia, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has at the time of publication been accused of two sexual assaults. Fairfax denied both accusations and hired the law firm that represented Brett Kavanaugh during his hearing this past fall. Meanwhile, his first accuser hired the lawyers who represented Christine Blasey Ford. Many conservative commentators like Tucker Carlson have seized upon the obvious parallel to attack what they see as the “hypocrisy” of liberal support of the #MeToo movement, as prominent Democrats such as Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have opted to remain silent on the issue. While there are also many prominent Democrats — such as senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) — who started calling for his resignation after the second accusation, these commentators have still touched upon a fascinating idea. Whether or not we believe or act on allegations — in politics or on our campus — often depends strongly on how we feel about the accused.