A fraternity at Kent State Uiversity has placed a second sign outside of its house in support of sexual assault survivors.
The sign, which reads “Consent Matters. #kNOwmore sexual assault," was placed outside of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity house last month during the university’s anti-hazing and sexual assault awareness week.
The first sign caused a stir because the city ordered the fraternity to take it down, saying it was in violation of city code because it was too large and the fraternity did not apply for a permit. Delta Tau Delta fired back on its twitter page with a brand new sign:
The city confirmed Friday the second sign is in compliance after the fraternity applied for the permit and reduced the size of the sign.
Nick Ruiz, president of fraternity Alpha Tau Omega next door, says his group supports the message, adding other fraternities were going to help pay for the possible fines Delta Tau Delta could have received for the original sign. Ruiz is quite passionate about the issues of sexual assault.
"If survivors are coming forward. something happened," Ruiz said. “At the end of the day, everybody needs to listen."
Ruiz believes a fraternity taking this stand is important to improve the perception on how men in fraternities treat women. While he says that’s not the reason the fraternity is doing it, he wants people to know that a fraternity is not all about partying. Alpha Tau Omega is also partnering with a KSU organization called “Green Dot” to raise awareness of sexual assault.
"I hope it helps more survivors to come up and tell their story," Ruiz said.
Emily Cavanaugh, a Phi Mu sorority member, says sexual assault is prevalent on college campuses, even at Kent State..
“People don’t want to hear it because it supposed to be a place where you are safe and having fun," she said.
From Kent to D.C, the #Metoo movement has reached the steps of Capitol Hill, with Judge Brett Kavanaugh expected to become the next Supreme Court justice.
Students weighed in, describing the treatment of Kavanaugh's accuser Christine Blasey Ford as disappointing.
“At the end of the day, she deserves not only the time, but the respect," Ruiz said.
"I think it is absolutely sickening how America is treating her,” Cavanaugh said. “Whether you believe her or not, that’s not the point of the matter. The fact is somebody is coming forward with something like this and people are taking it so far, acting terribly towards her.”
The students weren't accusing Kavanaugh of sexual assault, but pointing out how Ford has been attacked. They believe the dismissive response to her story is one of the reasons why women don’t come forward.