Photo: Elizabeth Holder
UW students and Laramie community members take part of a protest against the UW Crushes website’s post on Monday afternoon in Simpson’s Plaza to raise awareness of the “rape culture” issue.
Meg Lanker-Simons, the student whom the comment targeted, took it upon herself to take a stand against the page and the violence it seemed to encourage. Lanker-Simons and the Women’s Action Network hosted a demonstration protesting the UW Crushes page and the post Monday in Simpson’s Plaza to raise awareness of the issue.
The comment read: “I want to hatefuck Meg Lanker Simons so hard. That chick runs her liberal mouth all the time and doesn’t care who knows it. I think its hot and it makes me angry. One night with me and shes gonna be a good Republican bitch.”
“I found out about it Wednesday afternoon and I didn’t get a chance to look at it until later that night,” Lanker-Simons said. “I wasn’t even aware that UW Crushes was a thing. I was just stunned.”
After Lanker-Simons commented on the post and wrote about it on her personal blog, rumors swirled around campus accusing her of writing the post herself. She was appalled when asked about the rumor.
“I can’t believe that someone would say something like that and I don’t know why someone would post something like that about themselves,” she said. “I seriously considered dropping out of school two weeks before graduation because I am terrified,” she said.
At this point no one has admitted to posting the comment, nor have the admins of the UW Crushes page come forward.
“At this point, I don’t even know what actions should be taken. If they are a UW student or a UW employee then some sort of action should be taken,” Lanker-Simons said. “I will accept any punishment or action taken by the administration or UWPD.”
UWPD is still investigating the incident and Lanker-Simons is encouraging those who may have information about the UW Crushes admins or the person who posted the comment.
“I’m encouraging whoever runs the page to come forward. The page itself has been taken down, but the Survey Monkey for the page is still up. They are still taking submissions,” Lanker-Simons said.
Though the comment has concerned Lanker-Simons, she says this issue is not just about her, but rather it affects everyone on campus by encouraging this type of behavior.
“It doesn’t just affect me. It affects everyone on campus,” Lanker-Simons said. “There are people who are scared because of this.”
While I can respect the message attempted to be communicated with the protesters, then again with this article. None the less I do believe there may be a more graceful way of communicating, do we forget that children see your paper, such as my 9 year old daughter and why must you post the picture of a sign with the words HATE – F*#%? I understand some of you may not have children or still may be children yourself? I also understand you have freedom of press, but have some dignity and make your paper readable to all age groups not just 20-25, don’t you want to reach more people? The exact same message you are trying to make can be made without the foolish lack of thought. If anything your poor ability to edit has become a distraction to the message being given. I am the business director of a business overseeing 65+ employees here in Laramie, we have always been happy to support UWYO and have a stack of branding iron papers by our front door. I am sorry to say lately that decision does not seem so business friendly since you should understand why I don’t want the words HATE – F*#% to be the first thing people see as they enter our building.
Thank you for your time.
The decision to organize a demonstration may have been catalyzed by one particular comment; however, comments were submitted daily to the UW Crushes Facebook page that used violent, hostile, and objectifying language. Posts threatening sexual violence and perpetuating rape culture poorly disguised as “crushes” were innumerable and several students felt unsafe. It is incredibly important to note that Monday’s demonstration was in no way organized by an individual or even an RSO. It was a truly organic creation that happened when many people with concerns over the site and the rape culture it perpetuates came together to take action. Individuals heard of the rally and wanted to be involved. As activists and proponents of equality and love, the battle against rape culture is one that must be fought every day. We support all efforts to dismantle rape culture and applaud the solidarity of all of the students who stood together during Monday’s rally.