Stanford Grads Protest During Commencement Against Decision Not To Expel Alleged Rapist
PALO ALTO (CBS SF) -- A cloud hung over Stanford's graduation commencement Sunday as some graduates called for justice after an alleged sexual assault.
Senior Leah Francis is fighting the university's decision not to expel her alleged rapist, and instead withhold his degree.
Hundreds of students here at Stanford University took graduation as an opportunity to wear red tape on their cap and gown to show solidarity for Leah.
"Students are really passionate, and I think that's great that they were able to bring important issues to light," senior Peri Unver said.
More: New Protest Over Alleged Sex Assault
Some students wore a simple red stripe, but others wrote 'IX' in reference to Title Nine, a federal law that bans sexual discrimination in schools.
"It's not just about Leah, it's about the countless friends that I have who have experienced sexual assault on campus," senior Vanessa Moody said.
This summer, a new committee will meet to reevaluate how the schools deals with sexual assaults, with the primary goal of educating students.
The assault happened last year in Alaska. Francis says the student that allegedly raped her told Stanford he was asleep during the sex.
The case is still open, and police have not filed any charges.
