What started as one Howard student alleging rape by a classmate on Twitter became a protest of hundreds “to bring attention to the rape culture at Howard University and hold the administration accountable for how they treat victims,” according to a flyer distributed before the Take Back The Night demonstration. Now the administration of the historically black college has responded with at least one change in policy—student employees will undergo background checks.

It began when a student aired her grievances at the way the university handled her allegation, including concerns that the man she says assaulted her continues to have a position of power on campus. Another woman contacted her, saying she was assaulted by the same student.

The hashtag #TakeBackTheNightHU began trending on Twitter as students, alumni, and others issued support for survivors of assault and broadcast scenes from the demonstration held outside a residence hall, which at times blocked part of 4th Street NW.

Protesters listed a series of demands on Twitter, including a thorough investigation, an official background check of all residence life employees, and removing aggressors—not victims—from Howard’s campus.

Howard University sent out a statement yesterday evening, obtained by the Post, that said in part:

The University administration took immediate action as soon as we learned of this matter. While we are not able to discuss the specifics of any ongoing investigation, we are and have been actively investigating all reports that have been made to us. These cases cannot be adjudicated through social media without compromising the integrity of the investigation.

Howard University takes matters of sexual assault very seriously.

The email also listed resources for students. Both Howard University and D.C. Police are looking into the allegations.

This morning, Howard sent out an additional email that responded to the protester’s demands. One policy change in response to demonstrations is that student employees will now be required to undergo a criminal history check, effective immediately.

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