Students at Rhodes University have continued to protest what they believe is a system that has consistently failed to protect victims of rape.
Students knocked by bakkie.Police opened fire, stun grenades & rubber bullets@ South st barricade.#rureferencelist pic.twitter.com/pSBPJtDym2
— Nadim Nyker (@Nadim11) April 20, 2016
Tensions erupted this week when a “reference list”, which supposedly contains the names of alleged rapists, went viral on social media. This led to students in the Grahamstown university disrupting lectures and protesting across campus yesterday as they demanded that management reform policies which they say protects rapists and sexual abusers.
RU SeniorManagement, Does this look violent to you?!?#rureferencelist pic.twitter.com/Wqx5c3uZeF
— Linda Buthelezi (@LindzButhelezi) April 20, 2016
Students later make their stand in the form of a ‘naked protest’ before they were reportedly confronted by police.
All academic programs suspended-ru management. #RUReferenceList pic.twitter.com/7VI7z0Fypm
— kuvaniah (@kuvaniahm17) April 20, 2016
Protesters continued their efforts on Wednesday morning as the #RUReferenceList continues to capture the country’s attention. Many on social media have reported that the demonstrators have encountered resistance, and even violence, from police and campus security.
