“Cornell 7” Case Sparks Fury and Protests in Solidarity With Jane Doe
A Nationwide Day of Action on October 8 gathered artists, activists, and survivors in a collective call for institutions to hold abusers accountable.
Exactly two years ago, Jane Doe, a victim of sexual assault, reported the alleged gang rape of herself by seven Cornell University men, a tragedy that has resonated across the nation, leading to a series of "I Am Jane Doe" protests. These demonstrations took place in various locations, including the heart of Washington, DC, on the National Mall, where approximately 250 protesters convened on October 8th for a National Day of Action.
This event was organized in response to the Cornell 7 allegations, which involved the fraternity group's public advertisement of the sexual assault within a Snapchat group.
The actions of the seven accused men, known as the Cornell 7, sparked outrage after Jane Doe's lawyer filed a suit against the university two years after their initial response. The protests were led by numerous speakers, including Dani Bensky, a Jeffrey Epstein survivor and victims' advocate, Alva Johnson, a former Trump campaign staffer, and Claire Barnett, a Georgetown Law student and president of Advocates Against Sexual Violence.
They all called for legislation to ensure abusers are held accountable, emphasizing the importance of victims' experiences.
Protestors carried signs, including a powerful quote, "rapists are not victims," as a response to criticisms from the Cornell 7 and their supporters who claimed the men were suffering due to their public exposure. The protest in Washington was strategically situated in front of the Washington Monument and the White House, symbolizing the protesters' demand for accountability and justice for survivors, as well as their criticism of those in power.
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