The Timothy Kulp scandal that has rocked Penn State in the opening of the Fall Semester disturbs me greatly. In the wake of his suicide, people seem to forget that he sexually assaulted three women.

In the wake of the tragedy, I am disgusted to hear people making excuses for his immaturity.

Excuse 1: He was depressed, so he needed "companionship." I suffered from severe depression long before I was diagnosed or medicated. Never once have I even considered assaulting someone, sexually or otherwise, because I was depressed.

Excuse 2: He had been drinking and smoking marijuana. Inebriation does not absolve one of guilt. What Kulp did was inexcusable.

This was not an isolated incident. He arrived two days late to Penn State due to an alcohol -related charge back home.

His irresponsibility was promoted by the fraternity members he drank alcohol and smoked marijuana with on Friday, though he promised his parents he had stopped.

Excuse 3: He is dead. Simply because someone dies doesn't mean their victims instantly heal from the incident.

The suicide was a cowardly act by someone unwilling to own up to his actions.

I will close by commending the women who came forward.

Rape is a silent crime because many of its victims are ashamed to come forward about the incidents.

Anyone who is a victim of a sexual crime should contact local authorities who can provide support for them.

Remember: Lock your doors tonight.