Content Warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault and domestic violence.
The Alpha Mu Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity held their 13th annual candlelight vigil Wednesday night at the Campanile to raise awareness for sexual assault and domestic violence victims.
Ames community members and numerous fraternity and sorority chapters of Iowa State Greek life gathered in support. The crowd banded together to reflect on their personal responsibility to stand up for victims of sexual and domestic violence.
As they sipped on hot chocolate to keep warm, provided by the Alpha Mu Chapter, many signed a banner that read “For Those Who Couldn’t Speak — We Speak,” asserting their commitment to preventing and speaking out against sexual assault and domestic violence.
Iowa State President David Cook showed his support at the event.
“We came tonight to support the community, to support the survivors, but really to show that we care and that we’re a place that, if people need help in any way, we want to do everything we can to make a difference and to learn,” Cook said. “To learn more about our community and the resources that we have available, so we can be better leaders in these kinds of situations.”
The atmosphere was heavy as the candle made its way around the circle formed on the South Campanile Lawn.
All throughout the candle passing, the crowd was in complete silence out of respect for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and victims, the only sound being the ringing out of the Campanile’s bells.
Interfraternity Council President Jacob Noonan described the significance of the vigil’s candle passing.
“As the candle moves from person to person, it symbolizes that preventing sexual assault and domestic violence is not one person’s burden,” Noonan said. “It’s something we all share. Each of us holds the light, even if for only a moment.”
The vigil brought a breadth of emotions for the community. For Cook, confronting the reality of sexual assault and domestic violence was especially impactful.
“It’s a very powerful event,” Cook said. “[I feel] a lot of pride that so many people are here willing to stand up, to have a voice, to have the courage to make a difference… these are hard things to hear, but we have to hear them to make sure we can move forward.”
April Chavira, mental health advocate supervisor for the Iowa State University Police Department (ISUPD), highlighted available resources during the vigil.
Chavira attended with certified therapy dog, Sydni the golden retriever, offering emotional support for attendees.
“Tonight, we gather holding this candlelight to honor survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Chavira said. “We gather to mourn the lives that were taken too soon, and we gather to say out loud to survivors that you’re not alone.”
Noonan called on members of Greek life to play an active role in fostering prevention and awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence.
“This is where we decide who we are as a community,” Noonan said. “We talk about leadership, and we talk about brotherhood and sisterhood. We talk about values, but we must live them… Do not protect reputations, protect the people in our community… Let us choose tonight to build the Greek community we are capable of being.”
This message was extended beyond Ames Greek life to the broader university community.
“Iowa State must be a place where survivors feel heard, supported and believed,” Noonan said. “A place where perpetrators are held accountable … This starts with us.”
Kayla Rodriguez, a junior majoring in kinesiology and health, shared her hopes for the event’s influence on the campus community.
“Especially getting emails [of sexual assault crime alerts on campus] right before this tonight, I hope this speaks volumes to people and they actually understand what’s going on,” Rodriguez said.
For Rodriguez, and many others in the crowd, the vigil moved her almost to tears.
“To hear [sexual assault] is kind of common was a little heartbreaking,” Rodriguez said. “I was sitting there trying not to cry, but it’s actually a good thing… I felt the support.”
If you have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence and are in need of support, please visit the ISUPD website to access available resources. Mental health resources are also provided by Student Health and Wellness.
