University of Chicago students rally over sexual assault reports, set Nov. 20 deadline for demands

More than 100 University of Chicago students rallied Wednesday to call on the university to do more to prevent sexual assault and support survivors, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.¹ Students and staff gathered on the main quad, and organizers asked the university’s president and Board of Trustees to respond to their demands by Nov. 20, according to ABC7 Chicago.²

The rally followed two reported sexual assaults in recent weeks tied to fraternities near the Hyde Park campus.^{1, 2} One is the subject of a lawsuit filed last week against the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity over a February party at its house, ABC7 reported.² The other was reported earlier this month at the nearby Alpha Epsilon Pi house, according to campus and Chicago police.²

Participants chanted “We are Jane Doe!”, a reference to the anonymous name used in lawsuits alleging sexual assault.^{1, 2}

What students are asking for

Organizers want the university to set mandatory minimum consequences for students found responsible for sexual violence.^{1, 2} They also want mandatory sexual education and sexual assault awareness training for first-year and transfer students, written by an outside curriculum developer that students approve.²

Students are also asking for an outside audit of the University of Chicago Police Department’s practices and past sexual assault investigations, and a review of the university’s Title IX office, which handles reports of sexual assault and student conduct.^{1, 2} Organizers recommended former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to lead the review, according to ABC7.² They want the findings made public at the same time the university receives them.²

What speakers said

“How many Jane Does will it take before universities begin treating sexual violence as a problem worth preventing instead of one worth reacting to after the fact?” said Ray Epstein, who represented the sexual assault prevention company What They Don’t Say.¹

“It’s about the culture that we’re all a part of,” said Jadyn Lewis, a University of Chicago senior.² Jack Poon, another senior, said current prevention efforts put the burden on students.¹ “We keep asking students to protect students,” Poon said.¹ “It shouldn’t be on me.”¹

Tracy DeTomasi, CEO of the sexual violence prevention organization Callisto, encouraged donors to pull their support from the university.¹

The university’s response

The university did not immediately respond to the Sun-Times.¹ Late Wednesday, a spokesperson gave ABC7 a statement saying the university “approaches reports of sexual misconduct extremely seriously, with care and support for victims.”²

“The University is committed to continuously evaluating and seeking ways to improve its disciplinary policies and training programs aimed at reducing harmful conduct,” the statement said.² “It welcomes input from all those, including students, who share the goal of promoting mutual care and respect for each other.”²