The alleged rape over Homecoming Weekend caught the attention of many Bobcats, past and present.
It sparked conversation at the Student Senate meeting Wednesday night in which most of the discussion revolved around Ohio University’s rape culture.
“We are following our university policy and procedures in responding to this situation and, most importantly, are using all of our available resources to provide support to the student who filed the report,” said Ryan Lombardi, vice president for Student Affairs and senate advisor, in a previous interview.
About 45 former Student Senate members, who have served since the 2000-01 school year, signed a letter expressing their dismay of the weekend’s events with a letter to the current body asking them to use their leadership positions to combat the rape culture.
“For me, this speaks a lot,” said Anna Morton, senate vice president. “Student Senate carries a name of prestige … and I think this letter exemplifies that.”
But some senators argued a conversation needed to occur before rape allegations made headlines.
“We all failed this young woman this past weekend … by not creating a community where everyone is safe and respected,” said Allie Erwin, Honors Tutorial College senator. “There’s no dialogue on this campus about what consent is … and we are responsible for that as leaders.”
Rape culture isn’t a recent development at OU, said Roger Jones, former senate vice president.
“When we were here, just like you, we fought against rape culture,” Jones said. “If you don’t want to stand up to somebody or do something, tell somebody else … I guarantee one person will stand up. It’s all about the community thing … You shouldn’t be shy about this.”
Discussion also included how to change OU’s culture, including educational programs for Athens, walking the streets on weekends and wearing teal ribbons in support of rape victims.
Senate members weren’t the only ones who expressed their concerns for OU’s rape culture; some put partial responsibility on a senate executive for contributing to the mindset.
“I would like to suggest that President Nick Southall resign from his position because he is a contributor to the rape culture on campus … his resignation would set a good example for students on campus,” said Jolana Watson, a sophomore studying media and social change.
A formal submission to the Committee on Conduct and Discipline was filed Tuesday, asking the committee to review Southall’s presidency.
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