Survivors, students and advocacy groups are gathering in New York and across the country Thursday, Oct. 8, for a national day of action called #StopSexualViolence: From the Frat House to the White House.
Organizers say the demonstrations are intended to raise awareness of sexual and gender-based violence and push for accountability at universities, institutions and all levels of government. The national day of action is being anchored by Women's March, me too. International, Feminist Generation and Feminist.
Why are protesters gathering in New York?
The flagship New York event is scheduled for Foley Square in lower Manhattan, outside the New York State Supreme Court.
Organizers say the location was chosen because it is outside the courthouse where a woman identified in court filings as Jane
Doe filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell University and the Chi Phi fraternity.
According to organizers, the day of action is intended to show support for Cornell's Jane Doe, LSU student Kendall Francis and survivors connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case, among others.
Where are rallies being held in New York?
Organizers have promoted multiple events in New York as part of Thursday's national day of action, though publicly available listings do not appear to represent a complete statewide schedule. Organizers have encouraged additional campus and community actions across New York and the nation.
Among the events promoted by organizers:
- A flagship rally at Foley Square in Manhattan scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
- A rally outside Columbia University's gates at 116th Street and Broadway in Manhattan scheduled from noon to 1 p.m.
- A Rochester rally organized by ROC NOW and partner groups from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Washington Square Park, 10 St. Mary's Place.
- A vigil titled "RAPE: The Tip of Misogyny. A Street Vigil" scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 3701 W. Genesee St. in Fairmount, west of Syracuse.
What are protesters demanding?
According to campaign materials, organizers are calling for accountability in sexual violence cases, expanded support for survivors, stronger protections for students and greater transparency for survivors of abuse.
The campaign says the demonstrations are intended to send a message that sexual violence should not be tolerated in homes, schools, workplaces, institutions or government.
What is the national day of action?
The Oct. 8 demonstrations are part of a coordinated nationwide effort using the hashtag #StopSexualViolence.
Organizers describe the movement as being led by survivors, students and feminist groups advocating for prevention, accountability and support for survivors.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Why are people protesting in NY today? What to know about the rallies
