Students from Illinois State University marched against sexual assault on campus during a Take Back the Night event Thursday.
Take Back the Night is an international event organized to end sexual, relationship and domestic violence. The Illinois State event included a march and vigil for attendees to show support for and share stories with others. It's sponsored by many different campus groups.
“I think now, seeing what's happening at Cornell, now more than ever, we should be protesting and bringing awareness to this issue,” said sophomore Isa Marshall, president of Students Ending Rape Culture [SERC] at ISU.
A former student of Cornell University, maintaining anonymity under the name Jane Doe, said she was raped by seven male fraternity members while incapacitated. She has since sued the alleged perpetrators.
“It has made it abundantly clear that we need to put more emphasis on making sure that parents are teaching their sons to be upstanding citizens and not needing to teach their daughters to be strong,” said junior biology student Thomas Haban. “Because if we can change the status quo that way, we will make our society a lot better in the future.”
The Cornell incident has raised scrutiny of fraternities across the country. Cornell has banned parties and social events at fraternities for the rest of the school year. About one-third of all Cornell students participate in fraternities and sororities.
One in 10 male students on ISU’s campus are involved in a fraternity, said Tyler Kropp, a senior from Tau Kappa Epsilon. Kropp is studying social science and history education, and came to Thursday's event as a member of the Interfraternity Council [IFC].
Kropp and other fraternity members attended Thursday’s march and vigil.
“I think it's important for us to show face here and show our solidarity with the protesters, and just show the campus community as a whole that we still want to be a part of a general community with you all,” said Tyler Kropp, senior from Tau Kappa Epsilon. Kropp is studying social science and history education, and came as a member of the Interfraternity Council [IFC].
Attendees marched from McCormick Hall through the ISU Quad and out to Uptown Normal before heading back. Well over 100 people marched, then took part in a vigil where survivors could share their stories.
“It's good to know that there are other people that not only are safe to share with, but also who are willing to listen,” said sophomore Lux Weisheit. “Because maybe you don't have anyone that you feel comfortable sharing with, and that makes this really important.”
