Or that when a woman in East Lansing reports a sexual assault by two men, she truly is not defended by her prosecutor?

If we’re not surprised, then sexual assault must happen more frequently than we acknowledge. This case was on the front page, but how many rape victims never come forward to seek help? How many let their attackers go free and shoulder all the pain alone?

When we aren’t surprised by this kind of behavior, we validate it. It has become our reality, our standard behavior. At MSU, it seems high-profile athletes allegedly can assault a woman sexually, tell her nobody will believe her story and get away with it.

I don’t want this to be normal at my school. Charges should be pressed. The woman should have justice — if that’s possible at this point. Men need to learn that intimidating a woman and coercing her into bed is something so vile that it is startling, not something we shrug off without internalizing.

But, as it stands, no charges will be pressed.

Despite recommendations from MSU police, Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III decided there was not enough evidence to press charges. Sure, she could have gone back and asked to press charges, but it doesn’t seem as if Dunnings is making it comfortable for her. He’s doing just enough to cover himself so he can’t be blamed.

The decision has been made; the accused men will go free. That means they will play on your basketball team this year. You will cheer when they score points and block the other team. You will gather in the freezing cold to welcome them home after victories on the road. They will be Spartan heroes and will know that what Spartans value most are points on a scoreboard.

They will be able to take advantage of another woman easily because the last attack brought them almost no consequences.

Will it surprise you next time?

Carol Thompson, journalism and environmental studies and agriscience junior.