'I Am Jane Doe' Protests Spread Nationwide with Over 150 Events

Today, October 8, the 'I am Jane Doe' movement is expanding into nationwide protests with over 150 events planned across the United States. The demonstrations, operating under the banner #StopSexualViolence: From the Frat House to the White House, are demanding justice for Jane Doe and other survivors.

The movement is co-anchored by organizations including Women’s March, Feminist Generation, me too. International, and Feminist. The protests aim to secure accountability from institutions that fail survivors, advocate for stronger federal protections and resources, and increase support for student survivors on college campuses.

The movement gained traction on social media following the case of Jane Doe at Cornell University. Doe filed a civil lawsuit alleging that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity drugged and sexually assaulted her at their fraternity house in October 2024. The lawsuit details alleged actions and communications from the defendants.

The case has drawn significant attention, especially after the local district attorney initially declined to prosecute but has since reopened the investigation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, stating that newly released information continues to raise serious questions about the investigations conducted by the university and the district attorney's office.

The protests echo the explosion of the #MeToo movement nearly nine years ago. Some observers question if the Jane Doe case could mark a turning point and a revival of the movement against sexual violence.