Another consideration is the power differential between a cadet and a graduate working entry level.
First, age. A cadet is around twenty. A graduate is around twenty-two. Two years makes a difference in maturity, life experience and backbone at that age.
The USMMA cadet is is getting free tuition provided she graduates. A graduate is set and isn’t risking repayment.
The cadet is working towards a degree which may be derailed by a bad evaluation. A graduate risks only loosing a job at that company.
A USMMA cadet is at risk of loosing a commission. A graduate is a serving officer in our military.
In sum a cadet, but especially a USMMA cadet, has so much to loose by as little as a bad evaluation by a supervisor that a cadet might be better to take the abuse in silence as so many have done. (It’s a wretched thing to type. I’m disgusted by the conclusion but I think it’s correct.)
On the other hand, had Midshipman X been a degree and license holding graduate, free from the risk of debt repayment, a serving officer in our military, with all the experience and confidence that brings, would the first engineer have dared to touch her? Not as likely.
That’s why this has to end.