UPDATE: Columbia University Rape Victim Supported By Fellow Students In Protest

Courtesy of The Columbia Spectator

Columbia student Emma Sulkowicz has been carrying a mattress around the campus until her alleged rapist is expelled from the institution.

Protests at #ColumbiaUniversity against sexual violence pic.twitter.com/OQ7HkhjBbp

— Jackie Peiser (@jackiepeiser) September 12, 2014

In an act of support, fellow Columbia students have come together to walk with her and carry the mattress.  On Friday (Sept. 12), students began to drag several mattresses of their own to the university’s iconic Alma Mater statue.  The act of protest was a powerful statement against the administration’s mishandling of rape.

“A movement is rising.” -Emma Sulcowicz #carrythatweight pic.twitter.com/OxBYcVjbO6 — Talia Lakritz (@nerdwithavoice) September 12, 2014

Sulkowicz and two other women accused the same male student of assaulting them, however the university did not find him responsible in the investigation. Sulkowicz and the other victims have claimed that there were multiple problems in the investigation, and she was one of 23 students who filed a federal complaint against the New York university in April.

About a dozen mattresses were laid out on Columbia’s campus Friday. Some had red tape reading, “Stand With Survivors,” “Carry That Weight” and ” CU Has A Rape Problem.” The students also stood behind a wall of mattresses with signs protesting the university.

On Wednesday (Sept. 10), a group of students and alumni gathered around Sulkowicz to help carry the mattress to class and will continue this act of humanity until the performance piece ends.

Some days give you hope: Students help Columbia rape survivor carry mattress in solidarity http://t.co/Hd2bzy3cnd pic.twitter.com/FFY4NjovHJ

— Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) September 11, 2014

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“I like the fact that we can step up and share the weight with her — that she doesn’t have to do this all alone,” one student told the Columbia Spectator. This is one of the most moving displays of strength and solidarity that I’ve seen and hopefully we will begin to see change in how Columbia University and other universities handle sexual assault.

#ptsem Women’s Center supports #EmmaSulkowicz at #Columbia #CarryThatWeight #VAW pic.twitter.com/fMZtctsWwU

— PTS Women’s Center (@ptswomen) September 11, 2014

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