AMHERST, MASS. (WHDH) - Protests erupted outside a fraternity house at the University of Massachusetts — Amherst over sexual assault allegations on Sunday.
About 300 students gathered outside the Theta Chi fraternity house in response to an alleged sexual assault. Those assembled demanding the university take serious action against them.
Students tell 7NEWS that word of the demonstration spread on the anonymous social media platform YikYak.
“I just felt an overwhelming feeling of frustration,” said senior Victoria Kelliher.
Amherst police say the protest began peacefully but some in the crowd began to get destructive.
“Someone tipped a car I think,” Kelliher said. “At one point, there were rocks being thrown at Theta Chi’s windows.”
In a statement, University Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy said in part:
“The allegations of sexual assault that came to light this weekend, prompting an outpouring of concern and outrage among students, are deeply troubling. At this point, no survivor or witness has come forward to file a complaint or a report substantiating the claims that have been made on various social media platforms.”
Despite this, students say they want to see more transparency and accountability.
“I, along with the many other people that we were there, are pretty fed up with the lack of response with the university on previous situations,” Kelliher said. “There’s been similar allegations that have come up before. Not just from Theta Chi.”
They also want survivors to know they are supported
“I hope that they feel the support to come forward so they can not only help themselves but help us as a community and university move forward,” the student said.
No additional information has been released.
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