UPenn Students Say Sexually Suggestive Email Highlights 'Rape Culture'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With everyone they put up, a group of University of Pennsylvania students hope to take down what they say is a systemic problem across campuses nationwide.
"I thought it was disgusting, sexist and the very embodiment of campus rape culture," said Penn Senior Syra Ortiz-Blans in reference to a recent email.
"Tonight' is your first showing so please wear something tight," Ortiz-Blans said, reading the letter. It was allegedly sent by the off campus fraternity, "OZ," to a number of undergraduate women.
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"It's definitely provocative and racy," she said. "I felt offended by it."
In protest to the email, and to raise awareness, a group of Penn students plastered fliers all over campus. "We wanted to take a stand, put our foot down and make a statement across campus that this sory of behavior will not be tolerated," said Amanda Silberling.
Many students are noticing. "I'm glad they're out there. I think it's the responsibility of men on campus to really pay attention to this," said Ryan Tsapatsaris.
We stopped by the address of the off-campus fraternity house included in the original email, but no one came to the door. Meghna Sreenvias says that out of curiosity, she decided to attend the "Wild Wednesday," party here.
"It was the same as every other party. I just feel like it was some guys making some bad decisions on how to invite people," Sreenvias said.
Others feel more strongly. "Is this really how you feel it is appropriate to speak to other human beings, female or otherwise? Irrelevant right? Irrelevant!"
In response, university officials released a statement that reads in part: "The text of the email was offensive and has no place at Penn. As the University has made clear it its policies and protocols, sexual harassment and sexual assault are unacceptable and will not be tolerated on campus."
