Vile, Sexist Banners On Frats Greet Female College Students at Old Dominion University


Students from every level of education are heading back to school, but no one quite expected the disgusting sexism we saw at Old Dominion University in Virginia.

As freshmen headed to college, banners hung from an off-campus housing unit. One read:

“”Rowdy and fun; Hope your baby girl is ready for a good time.”

Another said:

“Go ahead and drop off mom too.”

photo courtesy of Talking Points Memo http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/old-dominion-banners-freshmen-girls
photo courtesy of Talking Points Memo

The students ended up removing the banners at the order from school officials. The President of Old Dominion, John R. Broderick, strongly condemned these sexist and vile actions.

He said the signs directed at women were “offensive” and reminded everyone that the school has a zero tolerance policy for sexual assault and sexual harassment.

A student group aimed at educating their student body about issues of sexual harassment and assault, named “Monarchs Rising Up,” released a video to show the public that the college as a whole is not represented by the males who chose to hang such offensive signs.

And now, members of the Sigma Nu Fraternity who live at the house where the banners were hanged, have been suspended. 

Still, this is clearly indicative of the larger problem of rape culture and sexism that is pervasive throughout college life. These signs perpetuate the idea that women, who want to come to college to better educate themselves and prepare for their futures, are merely objects ready to be available for the pleasure of a man. Well, women are not objects and this culture has to cease. The vile nature of these signs presents us with an easy way out: condemn the few  who made them. But can we condemn our society  which still degrades and exploits women? Will we stand against the men who refuse to treat women with dignity? This is a tougher challenge but still one that obviously needs to be taken on.

 

 

I was born on January 13, 1990. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I moved up north and attended the University of CT from 2008 to 2012. I currently also work at a law firm in Uptown Charlotte and have been helping with this organization entitled the National Independent Voter Coalition. My interests include: Politics (obviously), Basketball (playing and watching) and watching almost any sport, movies, reading, the law, human rights, entertainment, mostly Angelina Jolie and Beyonce. I am fun, caring, passionate, intelligent, and unique!