Rape Victims Rebel|NewsChannel 8

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Rape Victims Rebel

posted 5:52 pm Thu October 11, 2007 - College Park, Md.

tags: mccarren • rape • college • park

At the University of Maryland, some victims of sexual violence defied the school's ban on displaying the full names of their alleged attackers Thursday.

The demonstration was part of a T-shirt display on campus that ignited some strong feelings and accusations of censorship.

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The row upon row of T-shirts represent victims of sexual violence. Some students found the number disturbing.

"I'm shocked that there are actually this many t-shirts out here and some of them are very moving," said student Chris Schade.

Many contained blunt messages and raw emotions.

"Two years ago, I was raped on campus," said Andrea Dolan

"I remember waking up without my clothes on in a house I'd never been in, said Maddy, who didn't want her last name used.

The victims say they found widespread support on campus. They also found that too many of their classmates share similar stories.

This is the 18th year Maryland students have displayed the shirts, giving a voice to those too traumatized to show their faces.

"It was tremendously empowering and freeing to be able to out the name and what happened on the shirt," said one victim who wished to remain anonymous.

But there is a difference this year. In a controversial move earlier this week, the university banned the use of first and last names of the alleged attackers, citing liability issues.

"I would say it's definitely censorship," added the anonymous victim.

"I was already raped once," said Maddy. "I don't need to let it happen again by having the Administration try to silence me."

"They're taking away a big part of what we do to heal and feel better," added Dolan.

About a dozen students rebelled. They used their alleged attackers' full names, but moved their T-shirts away from the main display.

"That is freedom of speech for those particular students," said Dr. Sacared Bodison, Director of the University Health Center. "They take the risk for that activity. So it's not the university taking the risk."

"If my perpetrator wants to bring a slander suit against me, go ahead," retorted Maddy. "Bring it on."

Latest Comment on Rape Victims Rebel

Winstrv

10:23 pm on 10/12/07

holtonfb: You need to read my comments again. I didn't use "sue her pants off". You choose that term. The supposed victim made the comment that "I remember waking up without my clothes on in a house I'd never been in, said Maddy, who didn't want her last name used." She doesn't say she was drugged so I'm left with the assumption that she was so drunk she passed out somewhere and woke up in a strange house. When I go out to drink, I don't drink so I don't know what is going on so some of the blame needs to be shared. Again I ask you, why wasn't the reapist charged and taken to trial? To put a persons' name on a t-shirt stating that he is a rapist is slander and I would sue.

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