Demonstration planned for Monday in wake of UW Crushes controversy
A demonstration has been scheduled for Monday morning on the University of Wyoming campus in response to controversial social media comments and activity earlier in the week.
“The demonstration is a reaction to the UW Crushes recent affirmation and perpetuation of rape culture on their Facebook page,” organizers of Monday’s UW Crushes Demonstration write on Facebook.
“This demonstration is to raise awareness about the ways in which rape culture is alive and thriving on college campuses.”
The demonstration, according to the event listing, is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at UW’s Simpson Plaza.
As of Saturday afternoon, more than 120 people indicated on the event page they’d be attending, with more than 600 others considering attendance.
Organizers are also encouraging participants to make signs and wear teal in recognition of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The demonstration comes on the heels of a graphic post made on the UW Crushes Facebook page earlier this week.
An anonymous person used forceful sexual language in a post toward UW student Meg Lanker-Simons.
Administrators for UW Crushes allowed the post to remain public for several hours before removing it.
The UW Crushes page, which had no official affiliation with the university, was later removed entirely.
Sean Miller, a UW senior majoring in gender and women’s studies, is a spokesman for the demonstration.
He described Monday’s event as a “peaceful demonstration.”
“This is a student thing that says we don’t accept (these attitudes) at all,” Miller said. “It’s to raise awareness in a civil, peaceful way.”
The controversial Facebook post prompted statements from various UW administrators criticizing the UW Crushes page and the comment against Lanker-Simons.
University police are also investigating whether any crimes were committed.
Miller said he supports the university’s response to the situation.
“I’ve never doubted my administration,” he said. “They’ve been very appropriate and handled it nicely. I feel like they’ve addressed the issue.”
Miller said the program for the demonstration is still being developed, including potential speakers.
If you go …
What: UW Crushes Demonstration
When: 11 a.m. Monday
Where: University of Wyoming’s Simpson Plaza
— The demonstration, organizers report, is a “reaction to UW Crushes recent affirmation and perpetuation of rape culture.” The event is also designed to raise awareness to the “ways in which rape culture is alive and thriving” on college campuses.
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