Comments about the death of U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillen are drawing swift backlash after a Wisconsin university lecturer posted them on Facebook, according to news reports and screenshots shared online.
Betsy Schoeller, a senior lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and a former Wisconsin Air National Guard lieutenant colonel, reportedly wrote in a Facebook thread that sexual harassment is “the price of admission” for women in a male dominated environment. She reportedly added that anyone who complains about it will have to accept the consequences.
The comments came as the country was talking about Guillen, the 20 year old Fort Hood soldier who had been missing since April. Her remains were reportedly found in recent days, and her family has said she told them she was being sexually harassed.
Social media users responded strongly. Many said the remarks sounded like blaming victims for what happens to them. Students at UWM started a petition asking the university to remove Betsy from her teaching job.
The university called the comments “repugnant” and said the First Amendment limits its ability to fire an employee over social media posts. Betsy said through the university that she does not hold those views and was describing the message women are often given, that speaking up only brings more harm. The original comment has since been deleted.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
Shame on you, Col. No woman deserves to be hacked up or abused. The good old boy network grows smaller every year, believe me I know that.
Why do we expect trained killers to be empathic? Killing people no matter the “reason”, darkens the soul. Some more than others. Period.