Four Lexington organizations are hosting a rally and candlelight vigil Thursday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m. at the Women's Liberty Monument to support survivors of sexual violence.
Lex See Her, Daughters of Liberty, LexPride and Minutewomen For Democracy organized the event at the bronze sculpture on the Visitors Center Lawn, 1875 Massachusetts Ave. The monument, formally titled "Something Is Being Done!," honors more than 20 women connected to Lexington's history and sits within walking distance of the Battle Green.
The Lexington gathering is one of more than 150 events planned across more than 40 states as part of a national #StopSexualViolence day of action, USA Today reported. Lexington was specifically named alongside Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Seattle, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. as a major event location.
Women's March, Feminist, Feminist Generation and me too International are co-anchoring the nationwide effort.
The national actions follow a Sept. 16 lawsuit filed by a young woman identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was gang-raped on Oct. 19, 2024, by seven members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity. All seven named fraternity members have denied wrongdoing and have not been charged with crimes. Cornell has barred the chapter from campus.
Rachel O'Leary Carmona, executive director of Women's March, told USA Today the movement came together fast. "This is a rapid response. And so it's not going to be the size or shape of a big mobilization that might take months to plan …" she said.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff called the assault allegations "deeply disturbing," USA Today reported. The university announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, that it had retained Sally Yates, a former acting U.S. attorney general, to review its sexual assault policies.
The phrase "I Am Jane Doe" has spread across social media in recent weeks, with people sharing their own stories of sexual assault in solidarity, Fast Company reported. Students on more than 50 campuses are expected to walk out of class as part of the day of action.
Lex See Her, the Lexington nonprofit that created the monument, is led by President Jessie Steigerwald. The group describes its mission as making women visible in the "Birthplace of American Liberty."
Organizers are asking attendees to wear green, bring signs and carry battery-operated candles or flashlights. The rally begins at 5 p.m. at 1875 Massachusetts Ave.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, Oct. 10: Nick Ressler Memorial Blood Drive, Concord
- Monday, Nov. 9: Lexington Special Town Meeting on budgets
