The allegations of sexual abuse and other misconduct made against acclaimed writer, professor and social justice activist Junot Díaz have led to an intense debate among some in the academic world. Some have protested both the media coverage of the controversy and the charges made against Díaz, while others have drawn connections to the backlash against #MeToo when allegations of sexual assault and sexist behavior are made against men who are liberals or leftists.
The left needs to take up difficult discussions and stand against the silencing of survivors in any circumstance. Here, Akua Gyamerah, one of the signers of a letter challenging those who would side with Díaz against his accusers, explains how this discussion has developed—and why she took the stand that she did.