Students Rally Against Sexual Violence

By noon on Thursday, the quad at the University of Illinois Chicago was bustling with activity. About three dozen students gathered, holding protest signs and distributing flyers against sexual violence. A vivid chalk mural decorated the sidewalk outside the Lecture Center Building B, featuring messages like “We are Jane Doe” and “Stop Victim Blaming.”

UIC joined several other campuses in Chicago and throughout the state in protests spurred by a two-year-old sexual violence case that reemerged last month at Cornell University. A woman, known as “Jane Doe,” filed a civil suit when a prosecutor decided not to press criminal charges against seven men she claims raped her at a fraternity party in Ithaca, New York, in 2024. The reopening of this criminal investigation has highlighted Cornell’s and law enforcement’s case handling, capturing national media attention and igniting discourse on campus sexual violence.

This situation has urged institutions nationwide to bolster advocacy, resources, and support systems for students and victims of sexual assault. Illinois students, in particular, utilized this opportunity to illuminate the issue. The “National Day of Action” on Thursday led hundreds at Lincoln Park High School to leave class at midday, aligning with protests at UIC and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

At UIC, speakers addressed the crowd, emphasizing accountability and justice regarding the Cornell case. Nova Mohiuddin, part of the Chicago Socialist Alternative, was among the first on the mic. A fourth-year economics student, Mohiuddin stressed resisting sexism.

It’s crucial to speak out, especially now, Mohiuddin stated.

In addition to women, male students joined the rally. Jacob Belencion, a mechanical engineering student, pointed out how essential it is for more men to attend such events and oppose misogynistic behavior.

At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, students also protested against sexual violence. Isabel Montano, a junior in philosophy and economics, organized the action there after seeing information online. Montano expressed her desire to transform sadness and anger into constructive change at SIUE.

Even if I’m just one person with a sign, I believe that one voice matters, Montano expressed.

Beyond colleges, high school students took action. At Lincoln Park High School, students held banners reading “#EndSexualViolence” as they marched and chanted. They gathered at Lincoln Park Zoo’s administrative office, sharing their voices through a megaphone.

LPHS junior Isabella Scaffai, one of the organizers, mentioned how disheartening it is to face the threat of abuse despite the freedom that college should symbolize. She emphasized the importance of protesting for her peers and the women who influenced her life.

Senior Chloe Woodall, key in promoting the rally, hoped the event would guide a clearer understanding of consent among students.

Chicago campuses, including Northwestern University and UIC, provide resources like the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness. For survivors affected by the Cornell case, Sarah Layden of the nonprofit Resilience recommends utilizing resources like the 24-hour Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline.

Building community with other survivors and speaking out can be healing, Layden stated, acknowledging that not all survivors might be ready for this step.