Hunter
09/02/01
An official statement from the University of Iowa regarding this week’s protest over sexual assault allegations resulted in hundreds of angry responses on social media.
The message was posted Wednesday morning and signed by Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Angie Reams, and Executive Officer and Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Liz Tovar. It says in part, “We hear your concerns and anger, and we share your feelings regarding the serious allegations of sexual misconduct on our campus and across the nation. Sexual assault is unacceptable and putting a stop to it on our campus starts with each of us.”
The post goes on to encourage anyone with any information regarding sexual assault on campus to contact the Office of Institutional Equity. Any investigations that occur through that office are separate from police investigations.
Anyone found in violation with the Code of Student Life is subject to “disciplinary sanctions,” according to the post. A list of resources for support is also part of the message.
As of Thursday morning, nearly 500 people replied to the Instagram post, most firing back at what one comment called the complete steamrolling of the hurt and anger of the victims to the fraternities. Others said the University was more worried about their donors than their students, and demanding that the school stop issuing statements and take action.
A response from an “abolish FIJI” account said, “An apology is nothing without action. We demand that these students and organizations endorsing these students be held accountable for their actions.”