Eric Swalwell’s case shows that #MeToo is alive and well

Much has been made in the last few years of the idea that the #MeToo movement is somehow “over.”

Proponents of this view point to a broad decline of support for women in the workplace and the restoration of a select group of abusers, led by no less than the president, to positions of power and authority. They also point to the weaponization of defamation claims, sophisticated PR campaigns and strategic lawsuits against public participation, designed to undermine those who speak out about others’ sexual misconduct. 

While it might be fashionable to call a hashtag or an era functionally over, the courage shown by current and former staffers of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) in the last week instead provides evidence that societal norms have permanently shifted. Multiple women have publicly accused Swalwell of sexual harassment and assault. Although he denies the more serious allegations, he has suspended his campaign for governor of California and resigned from Congress.  

This goes to show that #MeToo, far from being over, is now the established norm. 

As it turns out, most still believe it is unacceptable conduct to sexually assault others, and this applies no matter how powerful the abuser may be. Fair-minded people still believe credible allegations of sexual misconduct when........

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