UCLA Rally Calls for Reforms in Wake of Rape Allegations

Angered by allegations that three UCLA fraternity members gang-raped a 19-year-old student during a Palm Springs weekend party, about 200 people rallied on the Westwood campus Thursday night, calling for reform of the fraternity system and demanding resources to heighten awareness about sexual assault.

Protesters wearing yellow ribbons and arguing that the alleged rape is not an isolated incident, shouted “Stop rape now” as they marched through fraternity row. They demanded that fraternities whose members face allegations of sexual assault have their charters revoked.

The protest comes in the wake of an emotionally charged campus debate over the arrests Sunday of Cheyenne Joseph Mount, Kristof Hamrick and Jack Robert Ripsteen, all Zeta Beta Tau members, on suspicion of raping a UCLA sorority member at the Royal Sun Hotel early Saturday. The suspects have been released on bail.

After the Thursday evening rally, about 50 members of the Greek system gathered in a silent candlelight vigil to show support for the woman.

“We disagree with some of the demands that were made,” said Brett Bouttier, vice president of the interfraternity council. “The actions of a few are not entirely indicative of the ideals and practices of an entire system.”

Many student protesters spoke out against the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, demanding a revocation of its charter.

Speakers argued that changes have not been made in the Greek system since the 1992 discovery of racist and sexist fraternity songbooks.

About two dozen fraternity and sorority members briefly attended the first part of the rally in support of increased campus awareness of sexual assault, but left as the protesters marched toward fraternity row.

Students demanded a UCLA rape crisis hotline, automatic student conduct board hearings for rape suspects and additional resources for the education and prevention of sexual assault.

On Tuesday, UCLA Assistant Vice Chancellor Robert Naples said the campus provides sufficient rape prevention and education services.