Although Chris Brown’s domestic violence case has come to a close, domestic violence will continue to be a problem in all areas of our society, including academia. It occurs on our college and university campuses. It occurs in our neighborhoods, without our knowledge among colleagues, family members, and friends.
An article entitled “The Brown Decision” at first glance brings thoughts of the famous 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling, which is perhaps the most monumental legal decision of the 20th century. The Brown decision to which this opinion article refers is that of singer Chris Brown and the felony assault charges lodged against him involving Robyn Rihanna Fenty a.k.a. Rihanna. Brown is a popular entertainer from the idyllic community of Tappahannock, Va. His (hopefully former girlfriend) Rihanna is also a renowned entertainer and hails from Saint Michael, Barbados.
We are all aware of the story, as it is typical of non-marital domestic violence. Brown goes into a rage and strikes and beats Rihanna numerous times while they are engaged in an argument in his vehicle. As usual, the source of the confrontation is not a life-and-death matter. It seems that Chris received a text message from another woman. Subsequently, the argument was so vociferous, violent, and physically harmful that some good citizen called the Los Angeles police in response to Rihanna’s cries for help. Felony assault charges were filed, pictures of Rihanna’s face were leaked to the press, both parties retained high-powered Hollywood lawyers, and the process of damage control began.
Again, as is the case in far too many (or any domestic violence situations) the parties are seen together soon after the assault takes place. This time it was at the Miami waterfront estate of P. Diddy, who has his own interesting history of relationships involving young ladies.
