Sexual assault cases spur protests on campuses across US

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Reports of sexual assaults have fueled protests on at least eight U.S. college campuses just weeks into the new school year.

Victims’ advocates say more young people are vulnerable this year as they settle into campus life after learning remotely because of the pandemic.

They also say students seem more engaged in speaking out against campus sexual assault and adept at drumming up support for the cause social media.

Sexual assault allegations have led students to demonstrate over the past month at colleges in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Alabama, Michigan, Massachusetts and Missouri. Advocates say COVID-19 restrictions last year kept some sophomores from fully settling into college life, making them more vulnerable to assaults.