By Lauren LoGuidice

When I put on my Halloween costume, I had no idea what an effect it would have on the way people treated me. Maybe it was that I was a little extreme this year – I had the dominatrix get-up "down to a T" – or maybe I just overestimated the maturity of the Wesleyan community. Whatever the reason, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

As I walked through the crowds at various parties, I received surprised glances, smiles, some dirty looks from women, and some disgusting stares from men. What struck me the most was how various "men" felt that because I was dressed provocatively they could do or say anything offensive to me and it would be OK. On several occasions my butt was grabbed, coupled with snide remarks whispered in my ear. I had some difficulty in warding off guys who felt it hard to believe that I did not want to talk to them. I also found it hard to deal with the stares and muttering under their breath that some guys found necessary to do. I do not accept that treatment from anyone – what made people think that I would accept that kind of behavior from them? Worse still, some were actually surprised when I retaliated against their actions! It was as if they felt that I was asking for it and I really wanted them to act that way. No woman wants to be treated that way – and wearing a certain kind of costume does not make me less of a woman.

And Goddess forbid – what if someone sexually assaulted me? Would blame be placed on me for the way I was dressed? The line of thinking that went along with people’s actions that night made me scared that people would see justification in that point.

In a school that prides itself on being PC, when it came down to it, it just didn’t act the part. I thought people would have a sense of humor and laugh at someone’s attempt to be crazy on Halloween, not put her down because she was a little out of the ordinary. I have been to various NY City clubs and worn outfits that were just as crazy and received not merely as many problems as I did that night. If anything, I expect rude behavior from people in those places – not at an elite school.

After spending 5 minutes trying to get some guy to leave me alone, I felt so disgusted that I wanted to go home. For the first time in my life I did not feel safe walking home. I called escort and left feeling disappointed about the whole thing.

LoGuidice is a member of the class of 2002.