Husch Blackwell, the law firm retained by LSU to conduct an extensive review of the institution’s mishandling of past sexual assault cases — some of which involve student-athletes — released a report of their findings last Friday.
Upon this release, students felt silenced and betrayed once again by the school they call home.
With no serious punishments in line for those involved in inappropriately handling these cases, students felt obligated to take their own measures to show their discontent, as well as their support for survivors.
On Monday, a group of students congregated in front of the LSU Nutrition Center for Student-Athletes, and sat in protest.
[lawrence-related id=16276]
The students blocked the entrances so that student-athletes couldn’t leave, holding signs that read, “Get some nerve, fire Verge,” and “We demand accountability.”
Tigers Against Sexual Assault (TASA) president, Angelina Cantelli explained why the nutrition center was their building of choice.
“We chose the athletic dining hall because while this issue extends past athletics, the privileges that student-athletes are given play a key role in why these employees behaved the way they did. They believed it was more in line with their job description to protect a student-athlete than to protect a survivor,” she said.
The culture surrounding college athletics in Louisiana has lead to a toxic environment where some athletes feel they can behave however they please without consequences. We also wanted to stand in solidarity with the many athletes and athletic employees who have been victims of this system, but are fearful to speak up. We wanted them to know that we are fighting for them.”
[lawrence-related id=16171]
It’s evident that there is a divide between student-athletes and students at this point in time. However, both groups have the ability to come together and maximize their voice.
If LSU can create a cohesive unit that stands arm in arm in protest of the administration’s failure to keep students safe, the university is one step closer to justice.
[vertical-gallery id=15607]