Mongeau’s persona as a teen made much of the public quick to overestimate her maturity, and she was never given the same grace as Ko despite their difference in age. Her sexualization directly contributed to this narrative and is in large part why people won’t see this for what it is — a potential crime.

Students gathered Monday night to listen as six panelists discussed how intersectionality plays a role in sexual assault. The panel consisted of Krithika Pennathur, president of Pitt Unmuted; Rose Barone...