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Stanford graduation ceremony overshadowed by rape case

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Prestigious Stanford University's graduation ceremony has been overshadowed by a sex assault case that prompted a brief protest by students.

The event kicked off with the university's president John Hennessy calling for a moment of silence for survivors of sexual assault as well as victims of the massacre in Florida that left 50 people dead.

"As events on our own campus and around the country remind us, violence in all forms has become a scourge on our society," he said.

A handful of students carried signs that read "Rape is Rape," "It doesn't matter what she was drinking" or "Stanford protects rapists" during the so-called "Wacky Walk" processional into the university stadium.

At the ceremony itself, there was only muted protest with several students sporting on their caps a message that read "1/3," in reference to the ratio Stanford students say will be victims of sexual assault by the time they finish a four-year degree.

Stanford student Paul Harrison (C) carries a sign in a show of solidarity for a Stanford rape victim...
Stanford student Paul Harrison (C) carries a sign in a show of solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016
Gabrielle Lurie, AFP

A plane hired by a women's activist group earlier flew overhead, trailing a banner that read "Protect survivors. Not Rapists. #PerskyMustGo."

The tag referred to Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky who earlier this month sentenced to six months in jail a former student -- Brock Turner -- who was convicted for the 2015 sexual assault of an unconscious woman.

The sentence, which gained attention after the victim's statement to the court was made public, has prompted widespread outrage and calls for Persky to be recalled.

The judge has not commented on the case as Turner's attorney has indicated he may appeal his sentence.

A plane flies over Stanford University with a banner reading
A plane flies over Stanford University with a banner reading "Protect Survivors. Not Rapists. #PerskyMustGo" during the graduation ceremony at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016
Gabrielle Lurie, AFP

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, who spoke at the ceremony, urged the nearly 5,200 graduates from 35 countries to be vigilant about sexual assault and to speak out against it.

"I am the father of four daughters," he said, addressing the students.

"If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted, take it effing seriously and listen to them," he added to sustained applause.

Prestigious Stanford University’s graduation ceremony has been overshadowed by a sex assault case that prompted a brief protest by students.

The event kicked off with the university’s president John Hennessy calling for a moment of silence for survivors of sexual assault as well as victims of the massacre in Florida that left 50 people dead.

“As events on our own campus and around the country remind us, violence in all forms has become a scourge on our society,” he said.

A handful of students carried signs that read “Rape is Rape,” “It doesn’t matter what she was drinking” or “Stanford protects rapists” during the so-called “Wacky Walk” processional into the university stadium.

At the ceremony itself, there was only muted protest with several students sporting on their caps a message that read “1/3,” in reference to the ratio Stanford students say will be victims of sexual assault by the time they finish a four-year degree.

Stanford student Paul Harrison (C) carries a sign in a show of solidarity for a Stanford rape victim...

Stanford student Paul Harrison (C) carries a sign in a show of solidarity for a Stanford rape victim during graduation ceremonies at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016
Gabrielle Lurie, AFP

A plane hired by a women’s activist group earlier flew overhead, trailing a banner that read “Protect survivors. Not Rapists. #PerskyMustGo.”

The tag referred to Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky who earlier this month sentenced to six months in jail a former student — Brock Turner — who was convicted for the 2015 sexual assault of an unconscious woman.

The sentence, which gained attention after the victim’s statement to the court was made public, has prompted widespread outrage and calls for Persky to be recalled.

The judge has not commented on the case as Turner’s attorney has indicated he may appeal his sentence.

A plane flies over Stanford University with a banner reading

A plane flies over Stanford University with a banner reading “Protect Survivors. Not Rapists. #PerskyMustGo” during the graduation ceremony at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, on June 12, 2016
Gabrielle Lurie, AFP

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, who spoke at the ceremony, urged the nearly 5,200 graduates from 35 countries to be vigilant about sexual assault and to speak out against it.

“I am the father of four daughters,” he said, addressing the students.

“If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted, take it effing seriously and listen to them,” he added to sustained applause.

AFP
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With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

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