LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) - The students who have been protesting against a fraternity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln took a moment to pause and honor those who have survived campus sexual assault.
Stories full of strength, hope and healing echoed off campus walls at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, reverberating through decades’ worth of frustration and silent healing.
“It hurts to know that I’m surrounded by so many survivors, when we shouldn’t have survivors at all," said Dominique Liu-Sang, a UNL student and protest organizer.
Just steps away from the house where it is reported that a member of Phi Gamma Delta allegedly sexually assaulted a 17-year-old woman, over a hundred UNL students lit candles for those who have endured the common experience of sexual assault.
“There are many who haven’t healed and who aren’t brave and who aren’t strong, and they don’t have to be, because not everyone is going to come out of the other end being a warrior," said Liu-Sang.
The fraternity, which is often referred to as "Fiji", remains shut down as the university investigates possible violations to it's probation.
That probation stems from the conclusion of a multi-year year suspension for inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment.
As they wait for answers, the protesters said they’ll continue telling their stories and demanding action be taken.
Student body president Batool Ibrahim said this is not a problem unique to UNL or Nebraska, but she was proud of the way many members of the student body have been coming together to support survivors and fight for change.
“Once students organize and once students come together, then no one can tell us no," Ibrahim said. "Not the chancellor, not the vice chancellor, not the president, not anybody can tell us 'no'."
Following the vigil, the students went on a silent march around the campus, passing several signs of support. Messages like "We believe survivors" and "No means no" mixed with images of teal ribbons hung from several other Greek organizations.
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