After reporting an assault admitted to by a fellow marine to @USMC, and the violator’s termination from the Corps appears imminent, the female marine who was violated, tearfully expresses her frustration in a video over hearing the news that the Commanding General has overridden all recommendations and has decided to retain him.😳 She exclaims “This is exactly why…females in the military…kill themselves, this is exactly why nobody…takes us seriously!” The video went viral on social media.

Troubling but not surprising.

The military has been plagued for decades with inconsistent processes and procedures for reporting, handling, investigating, and concluding complaints with proper punishment and consequences. In this case, the marine claims that her perpetrator “was set to receive an honorable discharge, potentially allowing him to receive all of his military benefits” despite allegedly admitting to the sexual assault. Bad enough, right? Then she finds out that all of the pain and suffering she endured in connection with the assault, the reporting, and court process, is simply ignored—by a commanding superior who has allowed his personal relationship with the accused to affect the outcome. 

A new proposed bill called the “I Am Vanessa Guillen Act,” contains an important feature which would force investigations to independent military prosecutors outside of the chain of command, for all sexual misconduct claims. The Pentagon has long resisted independent investigations despite the dire need for an overhaul. What will it take? It is time for Congress to force this change. The bill is named after Fort Hood, Texas soldier Spc. Vanessa Guillen who was allegedly murdered by a fellow soldier who then committed suicide. 

The video was shared to the new incoming Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III last week who has vowed to investigate. 

What will you do today to be #beupstanding and help #changetheculture for an environment without #sexualharassment, #abuse and #racism? #TimesUp. Let’s #playnice.

For more info on this topic and other related issues, check out “Play Nice - Playground Rules for Respect in the Workplace,” and join us at www.thesandboxseries.com.