Stanford University Faces Criticism for Inviting a Dominatrix as Speaker

Stanford University has drawn significant criticism after inviting a professional dominatrix and self-described “silly bimbo” to speak at a student lecture.

Last week, the university’s Structured Liberal Education (SLE) program hosted Brittany Newell, who is also an author. This decision sparked a division among students, with some questioning the relevance of her “expertise in dominating men.” A report from the Stanford Review highlighted this discourse.

One student raised concerns by asking, “Is SLE suggesting to 18-year-olds that exploiting others’ vulnerabilities for profit is better than holding a demanding job?” The student publication further probed whether it is acceptable to suggest that men should pay for temporary forms of ‘intimacy’ rather than seeking help from a licensed therapist. It also questioned if solutions to issues like depression lie merely in fulfilling desires through fantasy, sex, and even drugs.

Newell, who identifies as a “silly bimbo,” reportedly shared insights based on her eclectic experiences as a drag performer, kink worker, journalist, and a chronicler of San Francisco’s queer sexual landscape.

Attendees of the lecture even received a complimentary copy of Newell’s latest book, Soft Core, which narrates a woman’s sexual “adventures” involving her ex-boyfriend—a cross-dressing ketamine dealer—along with other men.

On a different note, the SLE program aims to offer a Western-centered education geared toward a fulfilling life. As part of its curriculum, it includes readings from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, an influential text from the 2nd century.

The Stanford Review questioned what tangible benefits SLE derives from hosting Newell. They pondered whether her unconventional interests or storytelling ability contribute meaningfully to the discourse. Ultimately, they concluded that Newell “is not an amazing writer.”

In summary, the publication expressed difficulty in seeing how Newell’s experience in dominating men relates to the aims of SLE. “SLE is a respectable program with admirable goals, and while it has the right to select its speakers, I believe there’s room for improvement,” the article concluded.