On the night of my birthday on October 26, 2020, I was sexually assaulted by Gilberto Fabian Jijon, my former roommate and close friend. When he thought I was asleep, he came into my room and groped me for an hour. I laid there terrified and frozen. Since then, I continue to suffer every day from a substantial amount of emotional distress. Not just trying to heal from the sexual trauma, but also the betrayal of someone I once considered my best friend.

The University of California Irvine was informed of the sexual assault the same day of the incident. Despite Gilberto confessing during the investigation and through textual evidence provided by myself and others, UC Irvine took 6 months to even come up with a proposed sanction- a one year suspension. Throughout these 6 months, they spent time interviewing other harmed parties and witnesses. Despite expressing repeated concerns for our safety, and the safety of other students, UC Irvine is allowing Gilberto Jijon to return to campus after only one year of suspension. This is even after being made aware that Gilberto had previously touched other students without their consent on multiple occasions.

I'd told investigators and others how capable Gilberto is of manipulating the women in his life. I'd once confided in him about the sexual assault I'd experienced when I was 13. He responded with so much empathy and best wishes for my healing and justice. Less than a year later, he sexually assaulted me after knowing about what a painful, life altering experience it was for me.

UC Irvine says "Every member of the University community should be aware that sexual violence is prohibited by law as well as our University policy and will not be tolerated."(http://soinfo.uci.edu/) If they truly mean this, they should protect their students by not allowing him to ever step foot back on campus.