The case of the attack on a woman at Cornell University in 2024 has drawn significant attention. This incident involved seven young men and one woman and has faced severe criticism. Since the news broke, many parents and experts have raised numerous questions about how this incident occurred and the role of consent education in it.
Consent and Courage Education
Many parents, especially mothers, believe that their sons are familiar with the concept of consent and that this topic is taught in schools. However, by 2026, any man who commits sexual assault is likely aware of what consent is and simply decides that this concept does not apply to him.
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The fact that our boys are aware of consent should not satisfy us. The real question is whether they know how to be courageous. Teaching courage to teenagers is more important than is often assumed. Courage does not only mean taking physical risks; it means having the right voice in difficult times.
The Crisis of Masculinity and the Role of Parents
The crisis of masculinity in society is a real crisis of courage that we have created ourselves. For years, we have taught young people what not to do and spent little time educating them about what actions to take in dangerous situations. Boys need to receive the message that if they witness someone being harmed, they must take action.
Parents can help their sons by practicing discussions about courage at home. Ask them what they would do in a difficult situation and how they can talk to others. These exercises help them find their voice in real situations.
Mothers and fathers should share their personal stories with their children, especially about times when they remained silent in the face of wrongdoing or collaborated with their peers. These stories can show boys that courage is not always easy and that speaking up can be difficult, but this feeling is better than regret.
Ultimately, student journalists at Cornell University, like Sars Qasba who dedicated 23 months to researching this topic, have shown how to defend against tough questions at their university. They remind us that in real life, doing the right thing is often a difficult path, and we must teach our sons that this is true.
At one point, a boy is reading a message that deeply disturbs him. I want him to be brave enough to act beyond just turning off his screen.
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