Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team/Rockland-Westchester Journal News
Survivors, students and advocacy groups gathered across New York and the country Thursday as part of a national day of action aimed at raising awareness of gender-based and sexual violence and calling for accountability from universities, institutions and government leaders.
The demonstrations were part of the “#StopSexualViolence: From the Frat House to the White House” campaign, led by Women’s March, me too. International, Feminist Generation and Feminist.
Organizers said the coordinated events were intended to support survivors, push for stronger protections against sexual violence and demand greater transparency and accountability in cases involving allegations of abuse.
Flagship rally held in Manhattan
The largest New York event took place at Foley Square in lower Manhattan, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the New York State Supreme Court.
Organizers said the location was selected 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.
“Thank you to the survivors who are here today,” said Ella Duncan-High of Feminist Generation at the demonstration. “We are with you, we love you, and you are not alone.”
Campaign organizers said Thursday’s events were also intended to show support for Cornell’s Jane Doe, Louisiana State University student Kendall Francis and survivors connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Demonstrations against sexual violence held across New York
In addition to the Foley Square rally, demonstrators gathered at several locations across New York.
A rally was held outside Columbia University’s gates at 116th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. In Rochester, ROC NOW and partner organizations hosted a gathering at Washington Square Park. A separate vigil focused on violence against women and misogyny took place in Fairmount, west of Syracuse.
Organizers noted that publicly promoted events represented only part of the statewide effort, with over 60 confirmed additional campus and community actions taking place throughout New York this week.
Cornell case remains central focus
The demonstrations came amid heightened attention surrounding a Cornell University sexual assault lawsuit and a reopened criminal investigation tied to allegations involving members of a fraternity.
The case has drawn national attention in recent weeks, prompting public statements from elected officials, activists and celebrities, while fueling broader discussions about how universities respond to reports of sexual violence.
Many participants at Thursday’s events carried signs referencing campus safety, survivor support and institutional accountability. Organizers said the demonstrations were intended to keep attention on survivors’ experiences while advocating for policy changes aimed at preventing future abuse.
What organizers are demanding
According to campaign materials, organizers are calling for:
- Greater accountability in sexual violence cases.
- Expanded support services for survivors.
- Stronger protections for students and vulnerable populations.
- More transparency from institutions handling abuse allegations.
- Cultural and policy changes to address sexual and gender-based violence.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News.
Related: NY prosecutor reopens investigation of Cornell ‘gang rape’ allegations
