Sign the letter: Parents against honoring Baugh

Sign the letter to President Jessica Fehr, Yellowstone Area Bar Association:

Dear President Jessica Fehr:

We are writing as parents who have seen stories like that of Cherice Moralez all too often. It's a parent's worst fear to find out their child has been harmed by those charged with caring for her. But to find out a child has been blamed for their attack is even worse. Former Judge G. Todd Baugh sent the message that somehow it's a 14-year-old's fault that she was raped. That wasn't just a failure of justice--it was an unfortunate cue to other young people that if they are violated, they are somehow to blame, making them much less likely to tell a trusted adult what is happening.

Your decision to award Judge Baugh a lifetime achievement award is a move that celebrates and perpetuates rape culture at its worst. But by revoking the award, you have a chance to send a message that victim blaming is not okay. You can show the entire country that we as a society should not tolerate nor celebrate making excuses for rapists.

Montanans are watching and counting on you to do the right thing. Cancel the lifetime achievement award for Judge Baugh.

Signed,

The undersigned

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This is a parent's worst fear. Two years ago, a teacher raped 14-year-old Cherice Moralez, and former judge G. Todd Baugh sentenced him to a mere 30 days in prison. Baugh blamed Cherice--who committed suicide before the case even went to trial--for her own rape. The move led to Baugh's suspension. Now, the Yellowstone Area Bar Association is giving this victim-blaming judge a lifetime achievement award?!

News of this disgusting award has sparked outrage in Montana, and attracted national and local media attention. Cherice's mother even spoke out against the judge for the first time ever, saying, "I don't think it's any lifetime achievement for a judge to be called to the carpet in front of the Supreme Court for victim blaming. Judge Baugh...caused enormous hurt to our family."

As parents and advocates for children, our voices are critical to standing against rape culture and sexual assault. If the Yellowstone Area Bar Association hears from thousands of parents and community members, it will be forced to respond. One Montana mom, a local activist, has already started an open letter for all parents to sign. Will you read the letter and add your name?

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