College Date Rape Column Sparks Uproar

American University's school newspaper editor learned there's a fine line between conversation and controversy when the paper printed a column on date rape.

The editor says the column was an attempt to start a dialogue, but admits it felt short of its aims, causing an uproar on the Washington D.C. campus.

Student columnist Alex Knepper ignited the debate when he wrote an article in The Eagle saying, "Any woman who heads to a party, drinks five cups of jungle juice, and walks back to a boy's room with him is indicating that she wants sex."

CBS news correspondent Whit Johnson visited the campus to hear from students.

Knepper's claim that there is a "massive" double standard between what's acceptable for drunk men and drunk women has received some support.

Student Cheryl Chan defended the newspaper's decision to run the date rape column.

"[Knepper] had a point to be made, and there's some truth in it," she said.

Others criticized The Eagle, flooding its office with e-mail and tweeted responses.

Sarah Brown, from the American University's Women Initiative, calls the newspaper's approach insensitive.

"It approached it in a way that was very hurtful, that brought back very traumatic memories from people," said Brown.

The Eagle's Thursday edition ran an apology saying, "We are sorry." The newspaper also suspended columns similar to Knepper's and is reviewing its editorial policy.

Knepper and American University Women's Initiative member Carmen Rios explained their thoughts on the date rape column to "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez.

For more on the the students' reactions click on the video below to watch the debate on "The Early Show."