On December 5th I released an article titled Slippery Rock University Isn't Defending Assault Victims. The following day, Slippery Rock University Associate Provost David Wilmes sent out a campus-wide email explaining their ruling in the two assault cases, and why they can't talk about the specifics of the cases.
In the email, Associate Provost Wilmes explained all of the steps the university takes when assault cases come about. He explained that a case manager is assigned to the victim in question to help them realize their resources and make them feel safe.
If the student decides to take action, the school's Title IX investigators look into the matter at hand, and then a hearing board is assembled. In my previous article I said the accuser was found innocent, which is basically what it is. However, SRU finds accusers 'accountable' or 'not accountable'. So in the matter of the two assault cases, their rapist was found not accountable.
If a victim is unhappy with the school's ruling, they can seek real legal action through the police, which is what the victims in this case are doing. Associate Provost Wilmes stressed that SRU has expelled/suspended past accusers found accountable of sexual assault. Just so you all know, they actually took action in the past. Now, not-so-much.
Associate Provost Wilmes ended his email the following way:
We truly appreciate everyone’s concerns regarding this matter, and while we are unable to speak specifically about any particular case, my office is available to answer any questions anyone might have about our processes or procedures related to sexual assault. Sincerely,
David Wilmes
Associate Provost for Student Success
724.738.2727 | david.wilmes@sru.edu
So if anyone would like to explain to SRU why they need to reconsider their ruling, now is your time to do so.
After all of the attention these cases have gotten, greek life members, specifically the sisters of Sigma Sigma Sigma, aren't giving up the fight for justice. One sorority member has designed #IStandWithMySisters t-shirts and will be selling them to help raise money for the It's On Us organization.
Sororities as far as Morehead State University in Kentucky have been spreading awareness on this fight.
Please help us continue to find justice for these girls. They are bright and wonderful women who were not done right by their school's system. They deserve to be safe, and the more support they have, the better chance they have. Together we are all #SigmaStrong.
