Why I talked about my rape during a Minneapolis Planning Commission meeting

I chose to serve on the Minneapolis Planning Commission because I wanted to use my experience – including an education I received right here in the cities – to give back and improve our city and our residents’ quality of lives. And that’s the same reason I spoke up about my own sexual assault during our November 1, 2022 meeting.

The meeting included a scheduled vote on a variance request for an hotel that is proposed to be converted to affordable housing. The building is in a primarily student neighborhood and will provide sorely needed affordable housing in the neighborhood.

During our Planning Commission meeting, several community members raised concerns about neighborhood safety during the public comment period. Several statements were made about increases in crime in the area and concerns that affordable housing might bring more crime to the student neighborhood. Two of the speakers were there representing an adjacent church and fraternity. The pastor said he was worried about an increase in crime with this project, and alluded that the residents would “rape” students.

During our discussion, I expressed my support for the project and frustration with the public comment insinuating that this project will bring crimes, including sexual assault. I said, "Well, I was raped by a fraternity brother. So I’m just going to throw that out there that maybe you guys need to look at yourselves before the affordable housing.”

I stand by what I said.

I spoke out because I was raped in a neighborhood that should have been “safe” according to these comments. Countless others have experienced worse on college campuses at the hands of fellow students and strangers alike. Not to mention the horrors many have experienced under the guise of safety within the confines of a church.

I went to school for this but you don’t need a masters degree to know it’s true. Studies have shown there is no correlation between affordable housing and increases in crime. We have a housing crisis, and need more affordable housing in all neighborhoods! Instead of pointing fingers and suspecting potential neighbors of crimes that haven’t been committed, we should be reaching out to those who share our communities with welcome arms – whether they’re a student, an immigrant, someone getting back on their feet, or just someone who needs an affordable apartment to call home.

I often hear that teachers, firefighters, and nurses live in affordable housing. And that’s true, but so do single moms, disabled individuals, seniors, addicts. All people deserve safe and affordable housing.

Our neighborhoods are at their best when they’re filled with diversity. Whether that be racial, economic or otherwise. That diversity is what makes Minneapolis such a great place to live for so many. And I’m proud to stand up for it.

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