U Of M Students Rally In Support Of Claeys Firing
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Students and community members gathered at the University of Minnesota Wednesday afternoon in support of the athletic department's decision to fire head football coach Tracy Claeys.
Claeys was fired Tuesday evening following a season riddled with sexual assault accusations and suspensions.
The rally, planned prior to the news, was originally named "Stand With Survivors – Fire Coach Claeys." It began at 12 p.m. at Morrill Hall.
Organizers changed the name to "U of M Stands With Survivors." They said they felt it was important to continue as a way of showing support for sexual assault victims and raising awareness.
"The decision to fire Coach Claeys is a step in the right direction and it's a step as students reclaiming our campus climate, and reclaiming the dignity and respect of female students and all students," Trish Palermo said.
The rally is scheduled to continue until 1 p.m.
Members of the U of M student government have asked university President Eric Kaler for a meeting to discuss ways the university can provide more training about sexual assault and affirmative consent for student athletes and everyone on campus.
They are still working on a specific date for that meeting.