Students vandalize Cornell building over handling of gang-rape allegations
Student activists defend their actions as nonviolent, saying ‘property damage is not violent, condoning rape is’
TL;DR
- Student activists vandalized Cornell University's Day Hall with red paint.
- The vandalism occurred overnight in response to the university's handling of gang-rape allegations.
- Messages painted included “SMASH THE PATRIARCHY” and “AT CORNELL RAPISTS ARE PROTECTED PROTESTORS ARE EXPELLED.”
- Activists stated their actions were nonviolent and a protest against systems of power enabling rape.
- Cornell University condemned the property damage but stated concerns are being heard.
- The protest is linked to a civil lawsuit alleging a fraternity house gang rape in October 2024.
- Only two of seven accused fraternity members were expelled; others received lesser punishments.
- The Tompkins county district attorney is reviewing the case due to new allegations.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed the state's attorney general as special prosecutor.
- Cornell University president is reviewing the role of fraternities and sororities on campus.