I have taken part in some protests while here at Penn State. I am a firm believer in respect and having an open mind. Rep. Lawless showed a lack of knowledge, respect and an open mind while surveying the Sex Faire.

Let me illustrate an encounter at the Tent of Consent event. The stages of the event were "What is/How to get/How to give consent." Rep. Lawless tried to walk through the exit of the event. When asked, Rep. Lawless was taken back at the request, as if he deserved special treatment.

I was appalled by Lawless' comments like, "Do you need to be a sex lawyer to understand consent? I'm a 'made man' (holding up his left hand with a wedding band). I don't need to go through that." It doesn't take a lawyer to understand respecting your partner and not assuming consent. It only takes being human to respect your partner. Being a "made man" does not give you the go-ahead to have your way with your spouse without consent — that is sexual assault.

Upon his return later during the event, he failed to recognize what the age of consent is. He tried to argue that we were wrong until he was shown the actual print from the law. The man that argued with me about being a "made man" and not needing this education was wrong. I don't mind a protest, but please in the future have some knowledge, respect and an open-mind while doing so.