Penn State Students Demand Action Against Fraternity For Posting Photos Of Naked, Unconscious Women
More than 150 students gathered outside of Old Main at Penn State University’s campus yesterday to protest and send a message to the campus community and university administration. Recently, members of the PSU fraternity Kappa Delta Rho allegedly posted pictures of naked and unconscious women to an invite-only Facebook page run by the group. Yep, now fraternity sex crimes have even reached the likes of Facebook. No official suspects have been identified and no charges have been pressed in connection with the sexual misconduct.
In an open letter to university President Eric Barron, protest organizers demanded that the university address four things: to place all students listed as an active member on the private Facebook group in question on interim suspension until all criminally charges are fully investigated; to expel all students actively and passively involved in the incident once identified and convicted; to sever all ties with the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity’s local chapter; and for the university to reevaluate the fraternity system as a whole within the PSU community.
Josie Rose, one of the leaders of yesterday’s rally, directly (and rather admirably, in my humble opinion) addressed the university president directly:
“President Barron, you said that you pledge that everything within your power will be done to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and to assist anyone who has been victimized by these shameful acts. We are watching. And, we are waiting for you to fulfill that pledge. Give us reason to make us proud of your leadership today.”
While there has been no official response to the rally given by the administration (what a shock…really, my mouth is agape. *rolls eyes*) one can only hope that a protest against sex crimes, greek life, and campus rape culture won’t go unnoticed by the school. I can’t believe that, at the very least, the members of the fraternity involved haven’t been suspended or officially reprimanded. Considering this is a school that has a less-than-stellar reputation when it comes to sexual misconduct during the last few years, one would think that Penn State might be a bit more proactive on this front. At least they could take a cue from Stanford, if nothing else.
But bravo to the strong, intelligent, and brave students our there demanding change. I hope you get a chance to see it happen.
(Photo: PennLive)
