Cries for justice

Ava Hunt, News Editor

As Elie Wiesel, a Romanian American writer, political activist and Holocaust survivor, once said, “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” On September 10, 2020, the Iowa City Police Department received a call from a woman report- ing to them the incidents that occurred on the night of September 5, 2020, where she woke up the next morning with no memory of what had happened to her the night be- fore. It is believed that she was sexually assaulted that night at the University of Iowa’s FIJI house, which is a fraternity house of the college’s Phi Gamma Delta chapter. The sexual assault was filmed and posted onto the social media appli- cation GroupMe. Almost a year later, there have been no arrests madeor charges filed against the men and Iowa City, Iowa is witnessing the results of this lack of justice. Protests have been ongoing outside of the FIJI house and people are demanding justice. Last week, over 1,000 people, including students from the University of Iowa, protested for three nights in a row outside of the fraternity house where the sexual assault occurred. They are seeking change and accountability, particularly through University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson. “We want to make a statement to the president that she needs to start taking action to remove FIJI from Iowa’s campus,” University of Iowa freshman Payton Day said, “They have not been accountable in the way that they should be.” Supporters of the alleged victim put together a petition on August 30, 2021 that demands the removal of FIJI from the University of Iowa’s campus. Currently, this petition has over 100,000 signatures and it continues to inspire more protests based on the fact that no arrests have been made yet in the case. Even though this case took place on the University of Iowa campus, its effects are being felt nation- wide, including in the Xavier com- munity. Some share their thoughts on the case and the importance of justice and awareness on this issue. “I think that the protests in support of these girls is great and I really hope that the exposure that these incidents have gotten continue to spark conversations about sexual assault in fraternity culture,” senior Maya Karl said. Records of the case indicate that police have obtained DNA from two students who are accused of this assault and sharing photos and videos of it. It has been con- firmed that Phi Gamma Delta has removed two of its members connected to this sexual assault case. Even with this removal, no arrests have been made as of now and this has protests raging as students and civilians call for justice. People are urged to call the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356- 5275 if they have any information regarding this case or investigation.