After accusations of members of the ACACIA fraternity drugging, sexually assaulting and beating women at a residence commonly known as the “Blue House” on Court Street, a petition surfaced on Change.org Sunday night calling for a ban of the fraternity’s chapter at Ohio University.
After accusations of members of the ACACIA fraternity drugging, sexually assaulting and beating women at a residence commonly known as the “Blue House” on Court Street, a petition surfaced on Change.org Sunday night calling for a ban of the fraternity’s chapter at Ohio University.
That petition, created by members of F--kRapeCulture, had more than 600 signatures as of Monday evening, although the only evidence it cites are anonymous claims made on Yik Yak throughout the semester.
While those comments could very well be true — as similar rumors have floated around campus for quite some time — what is currently being presented as evidence is not enough on its own for police, or the university, to conduct an investigation.
In order for serious action to be taken against ACACIA and its individual members, survivors will have to come forward and present their stories to the police and/or university.
They will have to do so on the record, in an official report.
The idea of coming forward with such information and allegations — while also having your name attached to them — seems daunting. But it’s necessary in order for the assaulters to be punished for their actions. With more than 600 signatures already on the petition, survivors should know that there is a sizable support system on campus, in town and elsewhere among alumni.
It takes a lot of courage to come forward in a situation where all the current evidence of the alleged crimes is little more than hearsay. But if you are a survivor of such an experience, coming forward will help ensure that others won’t have to deal with the same trauma, and that those who committed such heinous acts will be punished.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors.
