Amid sexual assault complaints, Auburn will hold town hall to discuss crimes, solutions
Published 2:46 pm Sunday, September 19, 2021
Auburn University plans to hold a town hall on sexual assault following a trio of recent reported cases that prompted a protest by dozens of students and advocates.
Representatives from campus security, student affairs, the Auburn Police Division and other offices will be on hand for the event, set for Wednesday, the Opelika-Auburn News reported.
“The creation and maintenance of a safe environment for our students will always be the highest priority for Auburn,” the university said in a statement Friday. “The three cases reported this week – one in a residence hall, one on a campus sidewalk and one in a fraternity house – have only intensified our commitment. Auburn prohibits sexual harassment and power-based personal violence.”
The reports led to a protest at Toomer’s Corner on Tuesday that drew more than 100 Auburn students and alumni to criticize the assaults and call for more accountability and action by the school. Demonstrators also sought the name of the fraternity which allegedly was involved.
A release from campus security said a student told police she was raped Friday night at an unnamed fraternity house. A female student also reported being raped at a campus residence by an acquaintance, and a student said she was fondled by a stranger while walking on campus.
No charges or arrests have been announced.