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Archivist Report on Rolling Stone’s “A Rape on Campus” and its aftermath

In her second archival report, Archivist Grace Franklin explores the Rolling Stone controversy

<p>Students hosting a "Slut Walk" in the immediate aftermath of the Rolling Stone article's publication.</p>

Students hosting a "Slut Walk" in the immediate aftermath of the Rolling Stone article's publication.

This report is also available in Google Doc format here. Due to size limitations, the entirety of this report cannot be uploaded to our website. Please view the document above for the full text.

Trigger warning: This archivist report contains discussion of sexual assault.

Introduction

On Nov. 19, 2014, Rolling Stone magazine published an article titled ‘A Rape on Campus.’  In the article, a student named Jackie alleged she had been sexually assaulted at a fraternity party during her first year at the University.  A series of student and community protests ensued both nationwide and locally, with thousands crying out for accountability and structural change.  In response, former University president Teresa Sullivan temporarily suspended all fraternity activities while an investigation into sexual assault on Grounds took place.

Rolling Stone retracted portions of the article on Dec. 5, 2014, apologizing for “discrepancies'' in Jackie’s account. An independent review in April 2015 by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism thoroughly discredited the article.  Many jumped to Jackie’s defense, including psychologists, who said survivors of trauma often have fragmented memories.  Ultimately, the report demonstrated that the Rolling Stone controversy was the result of hazardous journalism — the reporter and editors at Rolling Stone failed to investigate and fact-check important elements of the narrative, opting for sensationalism over the truth.  The backlash that ensued was certainly harmful to survivors, who may not speak up for fear of not being believed.

Sexual assault does happen on college campuses, and it continues to happen at the University.  These articles show us that we must remain focused on that fact and direct our energy towards protecting students and supporting survivors.  The crucible of “A Rape on Campus” drove our community and the nation to confront a reality that is too often ignored.  

Below, you will find all of The Cavalier Daily’s coverage of the article, emotions and the aftermath.  Take a moment to read through. I hope you come away with a better understanding of what was learned and what can still be done.

Immediate coverage

“A Rape on Campus” is published

  • Nov. 20, 2014: BERNSTEIN: Starting at the top (article)
  • Nov. 20, 2014: Struggle today, strength tomorrow (article)
  • Nov. 20, 2014: LETTER: Statement from Phi Kappa Psi (article)
  • Nov. 20, 2014: Students claiming responsibility for Phi Kappa Psi vandalism submit anonymous letter (article)
  • Nov. 20, 2014: What I didn't know then (article)
  • Nov. 20, 2014: UPDATE: Mark Filip will not serve as independent counsel due to Phi Kappa Psi affiliation (article)
  • Nov. 21, 2014: Sullivan requests Phi Kappa Psi Investigation (article)
  • Nov. 21, 2014: Community confronts sexual assault on Grounds (article)
  • Nov. 21, 2014: Moving forward (article)
  • Nov. 21, 2014: Patience, persistence (article)
  • Nov. 21, 2014: University alumni respond to Rolling Stone article (article)
  • Nov. 21, 2014: Letter to President Sullivan (article)
  • Nov. 22, 2014: Abolish the Greek system (article)
  • Nov. 22, 2014: Some traditions must change (article)
  • Nov. 22, 2014: For city residents, fear is prevalent (article)
  • Nov. 22, 2014: The Greek system should be part of the solution (article)
  • Nov. 22, 2014: Students host “Slut Walk” to protest rape culture, sexual assault (article)

University and community response

  • Nov. 22, 2014: President Sullivan suspends fraternity organizations, social activities until Jan. 9 (article)
  • Nov. 22, 2014: Protest outside Phi Kappa Psi house leads to four arrests (article)
  • Nov. 23, 2014: Faculty host 'Take Back the Party' protest on Beta Bridge, Corner (article)
  • Nov. 23, 2014: Phi Kappa Psi members, University offices face unspecified threats (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: Lawn residents bring community together for “dry” pregame event (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: Supporting the U.Va. Community with “Support Our Survivors,” 'What Can We Do?' (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: University Glee Club temporarily retires “Rugby Road” (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: President Sullivan warns of Rolling Stone article’s impact on student self-governance (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: This is the dark power of fraternities (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: Administrators: stop hiding behind tradition and student governance (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: BROOM: Comprehensive coverage (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: The devil is in the details (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: The Rolling Stone article: charting what came next (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: Student leaders hold press conference for national, local media (article)
  • Nov. 24, 2014: LETTER: Advocating for Dean Eramo (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: Community of trust (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: The University cannot objectively investigate sexual assault (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: Student Council launches website to provide resources, discussion forum (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: University faculty respond to Rolling Stone article released Wednesday (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: Student organizations host student-only discussion "What Can We Do" (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: KNAYSI: Love thy neighbor (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: The traditions we change (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: Herring appoints new counsel to advise Board of Visitors on issues of sexual violence (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: Women of U.Va. boycott fraternity parties (article)
  • Nov. 25, 2014: BOV holds special meeting to address sexual assault (article)
  • Nov. 28, 2014: Don't rush to judgment (article)
  • Nov. 30, 2014: Student sexual assault survivors speak out (article)
  • Nov. 30, 2014: Deans respond to Rolling Stone article (article)
  • Dec. 1, 2014: In the face of chaos and hardship (article)
  • Dec. 1, 2014: MENNINGER: Man in the mirror (article)
  • Dec. 1, 2014: A range of voices (article)
  • Dec. 1, 2014: Tragedy from afar (article)
  • Dec. 1, 2014: President Sullivan addresses Rolling Stone article, University response plan (article)
  • Dec. 1, 2014: Seven Society hangs banners, leaves letters soliciting proposals (article)
  • Dec. 2, 2014: Change will be painful, but possible (article)
  • Dec. 2, 2014: Great expectations (article)
  • Dec. 3, 2014: University seeks donations through Giving ToHoosDay campaign (article)
  • Dec. 3, 2014: College faculty discuss action to take against sexual violence (article)
  • Dec. 3, 2014: PATEL: The silver bullet (article)
  • Dec. 3, 2014: WHISNANT: Structural solutions (article)
  • Dec. 3, 2014: IFC President says fraternity policy reforms to be submitted to Sullivan by end of December (article)
  • Dec. 3, 2014: Feminism is for Everyone group seeks piqued interest after Rolling Stone article (article)
  • Dec. 4, 2014: University professor drafts sexual assault survivor bill of rights (article)
  • Dec. 4, 2014: Advising group will determine aim, precise meaning of Board of Visitors’ zero tolerance policy (article)
  • Dec. 4, 2014: POWELL: A survivor's call to action (article)
  • Dec. 5, 2014: UVa culture does not make men rapists (article)
  • Dec. 5, 2014: WAN: Re-evaluate the community (article)
  • Dec. 5, 2014: RUSSO: Institute co-ed living (article)
  • Dec. 5, 2014: Virginia delegates propose revising college safety laws surrounding sexual assault (article)

“A Rape on Campus” is retracted

  • Dec. 5, 2014: Rolling Stone releases statement retracting part of sexual assault article (article)
  • Dec. 5, 2014: Phi Kappa Psi releases statement noting factual inaccuracies in Rolling Stone account (article)
  • Dec. 5, 2014: Rolling Stone apology leaves lingering questions about report's accuracy (article)
  • Dec. 6, 2014: LANIUS: Law students can help too (article)
  • Dec. 6, 2014: Students respond to Rolling Stone's reported discrepancies (article)
  • Dec. 7, 2014: Finding solid ground (article)
  • Dec. 8, 2014: Silver linings in Rolling Stone rape fiasco (article)
  • Dec. 8, 2014: A letter from a friend: Jackie's story is not a hoax (article)
  • Dec. 8, 2014: Ad hoc committee addresses University culture, Greek life, sexual assault (article)
  • Dec. 11, 2014: Student-produced video thanks Jackie for 'pulling back the curtain' on rape (article)
  • Dec. 19, 2014: Board holds special meeting to discuss sexual assault (article)
  • Dec. 20, 2014: In retrospect: Jackie's friends re-examine Rolling Stone narrative (article)
  • Dec. 22, 2014: Student group crafts sexual assault prevention policy proposals for Board of Visitors (article)
  • Dec. 22, 2014: Columbia Journalism School to audit Rolling Stone editing, reporting processes (article)
  • Dec. 26, 2014: President Sullivan's Ad Hoc group meets, hears recommendations (article)
  • Jan. 5, 2015: Semester in Review: Rolling Stone article & its aftermath (article)
  • Jan. 12, 2015: BROOM: Continuing excellence (article)
  • Jan. 12, 2015: One step at a time (article)
  • Jan. 12, 2015: Phi Kappa Psi reinstated after investigation finds no 'substantive basis' for Rolling Stone allegations (article)
  • Jan. 13, 2015: MENNINGER: New FOAs are unfair (article)
  • Jan. 13, 2015: The next chapter (article)
  • Jan. 14, 2015: Two U.Va. fraternity chapters will not sign FOA addenda (article)
  • Jan. 15, 2015: Overall University applications decline, first-generation applicants rise (article)
  • Jan. 15, 2015: Fraternity organizations sign FOA addendum, reservations linger (article)
  • Jan. 15, 2015: Navigating Fraternity Rush (article)
  • Jan. 20, 2015: University hires law firms to review sexual assault policies (article)
  • Jan. 26, 2015: BERNSTEIN: Give what is due (article)
  • Jan. 26, 2015: University Professor urges Rolling Stone lawsuit (article)
  • Jan. 26, 2015: Being Phi Psi: fraternity looks forward (article)
  • Jan. 27, 2015: O’REILLY: Feeding the fire (article)
  • Jan. 28, 2015: University will administer sexual assault climate survey (article)
  • Jan. 28, 2015: 2015 rush numbers exceed previous year (article)
  • Jan. 30, 2015: FOGEL: Unequal treatment (article)
  • Feb. 1, 2015: Alumni speak out against Boys Bid Night restrictions (article)
  • Feb. 4, 2015: Discussion begins over extending Sullivan's contract (article)
  • Feb. 9, 2015: University responds to sexual assault compliance inquiries (article)
  • Feb. 12, 2015: Sexual assault legislation passes, aids victims, protects college students (article) 
  • Feb. 12, 2015: Kaine, One Less propose education bill (article)
  • Feb. 13, 2015: RUSSO: Barriers to entry (article)
  • Feb. 16, 2015: Jackie, FERPA and your right to privacy (article)
  • Feb. 19, 2015: Our endorsement for Student Council (article)
  • Feb. 20, 2015: ZIFF: Festivus and the airing of grievances (article)
  • Feb. 23, 2015: Phi Psi protesters plead guilty to trespassing charges (article)
  • Feb. 26, 2015: GORMAN: No scarlet letter for sexual assault (article)
  • Mar. 2, 2015: University works to reduce suicide risk what CAPS director terms "all-out blitz" (article)
  • Mar. 4, 2015: PERLA: The history behind University living wage activism (article)
  • Mar. 4, 2015: Culture Working Group meets, reports to President's Ad Hoc Committee (article)
  • Mar. 5, 2015: RUSSO: Why we need vigils (article)
  • Mar. 5, 2015: EDEL: Expanding our idea of spring break (article)
  • Mar. 18, 2015: WELLS: A culture of excess (article)
  • Mar. 18, 2015: College Republicans host Board of Visitors member Frank Atkinson (article)
  • Mar. 22, 2015: Entering the brotherhood: on historically black fraternities (article)
  • Mar. 23, 2015: Police find no evidence in Rolling Stone investigation, suspend inquiry (article)
  • Mar. 24, 2015: How to improve Title IX: Part I (article)
  • Mar. 24, 2015: EASTON: Empathy is critical in reacting to Johnson’s arrest (article)
  • Mar. 25, 2015: LETTER: Is there a "crisis" in higher education? (article)
  • Mar. 25, 2015: Board of Visitors discusses dramatic increase in CAPS visitors, NCAA scholarship money (article)
  • Mar. 27, 2015: KHAN: Don’t stand with students too soon (article)
  • Mar. 30, 2015: ZHENG: A false accusation off-campus (article)
  • Apr. 1, 2015: Board hears report on University response to sexual assault allegations (article)
  • Apr. 1, 2015: PATEL: Unorganized protests accomplish little (article)
  • Apr. 2, 2015: Virginia Policy Review discusses nationwide sexual assault policies (article)
  • Apr. 5, 2015: Rolling Stone review finds troubling compromises in Erdely article (article)
  • Apr. 6, 2015: Rolling Stone review misses mark on U.Va. culture (article)

Defamation lawsuits

  • Apr. 6, 2015: Phi Psi to file lawsuit against Rolling Stone (article)
  • Apr. 6, 2015: Columbia School of Journalism holds press conference to discuss Rolling Stone review (article)
  • Apr. 6, 2015: Virginia Tech engineering professor discusses gender-based violence in STEM fields (article)
  • Apr. 8, 2015: Phi Psi is right to sue (article)
  • Apr. 9, 2015: “What I hear is that you aren’t listening” (article)
  • Apr. 10, 2015: Next steps for Phi Psi (article)
  • Apr. 13, 2015: Take Back the Night kicks off weeklong initiative (article)
  • Apr. 15, 2015: Take Back the Night hosts panel, discusses new sexual misconduct policy (article)
  • Apr. 20, 2015: PARTING SHOT: Solid ground to stand on (article)
  • Apr. 21, 2015: DOYLE: A community in name only (article)
  • Apr. 21, 2015: American Association of University Women holds conference in Charlottesville (article)
  • Apr. 22, 2015: Dean Nicole Eramo speaks out in open letter to Rolling Stone CEO (article)
  • Apr. 23, 2015: PARTING SHOT: Digging deeper and pushing further (article)
  • Apr. 23, 2015: Eramo’s letter and Rolling Stone’s ramifications (article)
  • Apr. 26, 2015: University community reflects on year of hardship (article)
  • Apr. 27, 2015: BROOM: Braving the storm (article)
  • Apr. 27, 2015: An overview of 2014-15 University policy changes (article)
  • May 10, 2015: What to watch for this summer (article)
  • May 12, 2015: Dean Nicole Eramo files lawsuit against Rolling Stone, Erdely (article)
  • Jul. 30, 2015: University alumni sue Rolling Stone, Erdely (article)
  • Jul. 30, 2015: Rolling Stone managing editor steps down (article)
  • Aug. 21, 2015: What you missed this summer: Jesse Matthew, Rolling Stone and U.Va.'s sexual assault policy (article)
  • Sep. 13, 2015: Student judiciary committee dissolves sexual misconduct subcommittee (article)
  • Sep. 15, 2015: Dialogue on women's health tackles campus safety, new sexual assault module (article)
  • Sep. 16, 2015: IMAM: The problem with affirmative consent (article)
  • Sep. 21, 2015: Campus climate survey shows nearly one in four women experiences sexual assault, misconduct at U.Va. (article)
  • Sep. 22, 2015: Takeaways from the campus climate survey and OCR review (article)
  • Sep. 22, 2015: Talk surrounding Title IX review shows Rolling Stone story still looms large at U.Va. (article)
  • Sep. 25, 2015: FISHER: Inadequate sexual assault coverage (article)
  • Oct. 15, 2015: CAPS expands services following difficult academic year (article)
  • Oct. 16, 2015: Lonely and together (article)
  • Oct. 16, 2015: FISHER: Holes in Cavalier Daily coverage (article)
  • Oct. 21, 2015: Virginia state delegates support Sullivan after call for resignation (article)
  • Oct. 26, 2015: Sullivan’s report card (article)
  • Nov. 5, 2015: Don’t rush to judgment (article)
  • Nov. 5, 2015: LOPEZ: Implement trigger warnings on Grounds (article)
  • Nov. 9, 2015: Phi Kappa Psi files $25 million lawsuit against Rolling Stone, Erdely (article)
  • Nov. 10, 2015: Student Council discusses new Clemons advising space, student freedom of speech (article)
  • Nov. 17, 2015: Inter-Sorority Council to enforce ban on participation in fraternity recruitment (article)
  • Nov. 19, 2015: Why U.Va. was found in violation of Title IX, and what has been done since (article)
  • Nov. 19, 2015: Is U.Va.'s Campus Climate Survey statistically significant? (article)
  • Nov. 19, 2015: Jackie declines to release phone records for Eramo's lawsuit against Rolling Stone (article)
  • Nov. 23, 2015: Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo to retire (article)
  • Nov. 29, 2015: U.Va. moves "Giving ToHoosDay" to Founder's Day in April (article)
  • Dec. 4, 2015: U.Va. hosts 15th annual Lighting of the Lawn (article)
  • Dec. 7, 2015: DOYLE: Drawing strength from tragedy (article)
  • Dec. 7, 2015: Fall 2015 Semester in Review (article)
  • Dec. 7, 2015: Hearing in Eramo's Rolling Stone lawsuit transferred to Charlottesville (article)
  • Jan. 6, 2016: Rolling Stone's defense team moves to dismiss lawsuit from former Phi Psi members (article)
  • Jan. 12, 2016: National Organization for Women speaks in support of "Jackie" (article)
  • Jan. 19, 2016: U.Va. to submit education records to Rolling Stone (article)
  • Jan. 20, 2016: Judge calls for release of communications relating to Rolling Stone article (article)
  • Jan. 28, 2016: Jackie ordered to turn over communications in Rolling Stone lawsuit (article)
  • Jan. 29, 2016: MOUSAVI: Take serious coverage seriously (article)
  • Feb. 3, 2016: IMAM: The pointlessness of the ISC ban (article)
  • Feb. 22, 2016: Jackie ordered to give deposition in Eramo lawsuit (article)
  • Mar. 15, 2016: CAPS sees increase in student engagement (article)
  • Mar. 17, 2016: Eramo's lawyers request additional time to depose Jackie (article)
  • Mar. 31, 2016: Jackie deposition would cause “severe harm,” attorneys claim (article)
  • Mar. 31, 2016: Trial date set in Phi Psi defamation lawsuit (article)
  • Apr. 6, 2016: Old Cabell Hall mural proves controversial (article)
  • Apr. 6, 2016: Jackie ordered to testify for first time in Thursday deposition (article)
  • Apr. 12, 2016: Take Back the Night begins on Grounds (article)
  • Apr. 13, 2016: Sons and Daughters of Liberty release “Rebels and Tyrants” list (article)
  • Apr. 21, 2016: Pulitzer Prize winner to speak in panel on journalism, sexual assault (article)
  • Apr. 22, 2016: CARLSON: Remove your blinders (article)
  • Apr. 29, 2016: ProPublica Live addresses reporting on sexual violence (article)
  • May 2, 2016: Year in review (article)
  • May 26, 2016: Lawyers for Rolling Stone's "Jackie" may have withheld "Haven Monahan" documents (article)
  • Jun. 29, 2016: Defamation suit against Rolling Stone dismissed (article)
  • Jul. 8, 2016: Eramo files motion for partial summary judgment in Rolling Stone lawsuit (article)
  • Aug. 18, 2016: All the news you missed this summer (article)
  • Aug. 25, 2016: Are we still a party school? (article)
  • Sep. 6, 2016: Lawsuits against Rolling Stone move forward despite objection (article)
  • Sep. 7, 2016: BERMAN: Charlottesville Police have gone too far (article)
  • Sep. 12, 2016: DOYLE: Protests without a punch (article)
  • Sep. 15, 2016: U.Va. protest policy spurs discussion on activism, school history (article)
  • Sep. 15, 2016: Judge finds Eramo to be limited public figure (article)
  • Sep. 22, 2016: Eramo deserves better (article)
  • Sep. 30, 2016: Lawyers in Rolling Stone suit fight to keep evidence out of trial (article)
  • Oct. 10, 2016: Eramo, Rolling Stone prepare for next week’s trial (article)
  • Oct. 11, 2016: Judge throws out deposition testimony videos in Eramo case (article)
  • Oct. 16, 2016: Eramo trial begins Monday (article)
  • Oct. 17, 2016: Eramo, Rolling Stone trial begins with jury selection (article)
  • Oct. 19, 2016: Eramo takes stand in Rolling Stone defamation suit (article)
  • Oct. 20, 2016: Eramo’s cross-examination ends, Erdely’s begins (article)
  • Oct. 21, 2016: Erdely: “It was a mistake to rely on someone who was intent to deceive me” (article)
  • Oct. 22, 2016: Erdely says Jackie thanked her for article in day two of testimony (article)
  • Oct. 24, 2016: Erdely finishes testimony Saturday (article)
  • Oct. 25, 2016: Jackie comes to Eramo’s defense (article)
  • Oct. 26, 2016: Jury hears from Jackie’s friends (article)
  • Oct. 27, 2016: U.Va. survivor condemns Rolling Stone, defends Eramo on stand (article)
  • Oct. 28, 2016: Rolling Stone editor admits faults with “A Rape on Campus” (article)
  • Oct. 30, 2016: Rolling Stone publisher says magazine shouldn’t have retracted article (article)
  • Oct. 31, 2016: Defense rests its case in Rolling Stone trial, closing arguments to follow (article)
  • Nov. 2, 2016: Jury hears closing arguments in Eramo trial (article)
  • Nov. 3, 2016: Jury yet to reach verdict in Rolling Stone trial (article)
  • Nov. 3, 2016: Jury deliberations continue in Rolling Stone trial (article)
  • Nov. 4, 2016: Jury unanimously sides with Eramo in Rolling Stone defamation case (article)
  • Nov. 7, 2016: Rolling Stone got what it deserved (article)
  • Nov. 7, 2016: Jury awards Eramo $3 million in damages (article)
  • Nov. 8, 2016: Phi Kappa Psi lawsuit unlikely to change in light of Eramo verdict (article)

Grace Franklin is The Cavalier Daily’s archivist. She can be reached at archivist@cavalierdaily.com.

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