Despite the snow and cold, hundreds gathered in front of Old Main on Penn State's University Park campus to protest the alleged actions of the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity.
Co-organizer Lauren Lewis, a Penn State student, began the rally by reading an open letter to Penn State president Eric Barron, which she encouraged attendees to sign. "We are here both to support the victims of Kappa Delta Rho and to call upon university leaders to take a stronger, more decisive action," she said.
A series of speakers called for a stronger response from the university administration. Kathryn Rose, a graduate student, spoke directly about President Barron's statement. "Thank you, President Barron, for your quick and incisive response for what's happening on this campus today," she said.
But as the speech continued, she made it clear she believes this incident is not isolated. She took issue with Barron's wording that he was shocked by the allegations. She said, "Can you really live on Penn State's campus and tell me you don't understand we have a problem with sexual assault? Shock at these events is a privilege women do not have."
A few of the speakers argued there is a "rape culture" at Penn State and universities around the country. The largest banner even referenced the Penn State slogan, "Penn State Lives Here," proclaiming "Rape Culture Lives Here."
Rose said these allegations call for the immediate suspension of those involved, even as the ongoing investigation plays out.
