Gang-Rape Report Shuts Down UVa Frats Until January

President calls on those with information to come forward
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 22, 2014 3:45 PM CST
Gang-Rape Report Shuts Down UVa Frats Until January
A sign reading "We stand with the survivors" is held by supporters at a rally against rape culture at the McIntire Amphitheatre at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. on Nov. 20.   (AP Photo/The Daily Progress, Ryan M. Kelly)

A Rolling Stone report on an alleged gang rape at a University of Virginia fraternity has prompted the school's president to suspend all frats until the spring semester. In an open letter to students and staff today, president Teresa Sullivan calls for "the collective strength of the members of our community" to fight sexual assault, the Washington Post reports. Before the spring term begins on Jan. 9, "we will assemble groups of students, faculty, alumni, and other concerned parties," including school officials, to address the issue.

"I write you in great sorrow, great rage, but most importantly, with great determination," Sullivan writes. "Meaningful change is necessary, and we can lead that change for all universities." She also directs a message to those "individuals in our community who know what happened that night … I am calling on them to come forward to the police to report the facts. Only you can shed light on the truth, and it is your responsibility to do so." She adds: "There is no greater threat to honor than secrecy and indifference." Police are investigating the case, and another campus protest is planned for tonight following a football game, the Daily Progress reports. (More University of Virginia stories.)

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