Teacher’s ‘rape culture’ paper sparks controversy

PORTLAND — A Grant High School history teacher’s three-page written opinion about “rape culture” distributed this week among students and staff has prompted outrage from people inside and outside the Northeast Portland school.

It isn’t clear what prompted teacher David Lickey to write the document — widely shared on Facebook — that says, “I find assertions of rape culture dubious,” and “The very wording of ‘rape culture’ seems to me a bit hysterical.”

The document, dated Tuesday, is addressed to “esteemed students and Mr. Leeman,” and begins with Lickey recounting that he had “interrupted your lesson and the train of your discussion in a way that was disruptive, for that I apologize.”

The document goes on to say: “‘Rape culture’ is a theoretical construct that is ill defined. What exactly is ‘rape culture’? I don’t see it in my life or the lives of any of the men and women I have known. I have never met a person who believes rape is anything other than a heinous crime.”

Lickey concludes by writing, “These are a few of my thoughts on the subject. As you can tell, I’m uncomfortable with theories of rape culture. I don’t think there are in these thoughts anything even remotely chauvinistic or misogynistic, quite the opposite. If you disagree, I’d love to hear your thoughts.”

On Friday night, Grant principal Carol Campbell sent a message to families.

The document, Campbell wrote, “included some statements that run counter to the way we approach this important subject. The perspective of the teacher does not reflect nor support our approach to educating students on sexual assault. … In this case, the document was shared with many students and staff with very little context. We apologize for any harm or negative impact. We are working with students and some staff members to organize listening sessions and opportunities for adults and students to get support. It is our primary goal to ensure Grant is a safe place for all.”