Protests at Cornell University after alleged gang rape

More than a thousand students gathered on the grounds of Cornell University. Many of them wear purple ribbons as a sign of solidarity with “Jane Doe.” That's what the victim of the alleged gang rape calls herself because she wants to remain anonymous because the woman fears for her safety.

"Everything about this incident is very emotional for us," says one of the protesting students: "It's about our bodies, about our lives, about everything. It's really hard to be here."

Criticism of student associations

The students' anger is directed at the alleged perpetrators: seven fraternity students, some of whom claim they did not take part in the gang rape. Others say it was consensual sex.

The New York State Attorney General is now investigating what really happened two years ago. Physics student Lewis Holland sees student associations as complicit: "They promote toxic masculinity," he says, "and they view women as objects."

Accusations against university management

But the demonstrators are almost even angrier at the university management: "They do nothing to protect the defenseless victims," criticizes Grace from New Jersey, "but the rapists get away with impunity. The management only wants to protect the university's image."

Student Hannah finds it bad that some of the alleged rapists are still studying at the elite university. Jane Doe, on the other hand, had to leave Cornell because she could no longer endure studying with those who had caused her such suffering. "I know that Jane Doe had to work very hard to be able to afford to study here," says Hannah: "And then something so terrible happens to her. It's terrible!"

Great solidarity

It's not just female students who are protesting. A student brought her boyfriend with her. He says: "This is an issue that should concern us all as people. Because everyone you know could be affected by this."

His girlfriend says he came to the demonstration voluntarily: "If I had to ask him, he wouldn't be my friend. He wanted to come here himself. That's just how he is."

After a long radio silence, the President of Cornell University, Michael Kotlikoff, also made a statement at the weekend. He promised to listen, learn and communicate better. Many students no longer believe him. The university management covered up the case for too long. They are calling for his resignation.