The feminist organization Women’s March designated October 8, 2026, a day of action, for rallies, campus walkouts, and other protests nationwide against sexual violence and the institutions that allow it to continue, under the slogan "Stop Sexual Violence: From the Frat House to the White House.” The catalyst was the high-profile “Cornell 7” case, in which seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University are accused of drugging and sexually assaulting an anonymous student in 2024.

The Gender Equity Movement (GEM) took it upon itself to organize the Women’s March protest in Seattle. Attendees were asked to wear teal-colored clothing or ribbons to signify sexual assault and abuse awareness. They were also asked to carry signs that say “I am Jane Doe” and/or wear Jane Doe name tags, in solidarity with the anonymous woman.

GEM’s demands to the federal government are as follows: recognize the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th amendment to the United States Constitution and reinstate protections under Title IX that were repealed by the Trump administration.

The rally drew a large crowd, including the Seattle Handmaids, who led the march with a banner saying “ERA NOW,” in reference to the Equal Rights Amendment. There was a musical performance by local folk singer Love Victory Rose, and speeches by several prominent feminist figures: Lisa Weber from the National Organization for Women, Helen Gilbert from Radical Women, and Hannah Sabio Howell, who is currently running for State Senate from the 43rd District.

Zoe, one of the lead organizers of GEM, shared her story with the crowd. She said that the first time she was assaulted, it was by a coworker, but her rapist faced no repercussions, because of a lack of evidence. The second time, she was more aware of the legal system and gathered evidence to hopefully get a conviction, only for the prosecutor to drop her case. 

The protesters took to the streets to spread their message to onlookers that women’s voices will be heard. The march route stopped at City Hall, where the message of accountability was chanted as well.

Jane Doe, who was 20 years old at the time, has stated that she arrived at the Cornell frat party intoxicated and was given additional substances, further impairing her and enabling numerous men to take advantage of her. She has also provided a Snapchat thread as evidence. After facing backlash for the lack of disciplinary action, the university launched a Title IX investigation, after which two of the accused men were expelled, others faced suspension or other lighter punishments, and the Chi Phi fraternity was banned from campus. Many are criticizing Cornell for its leniency and the district attorney for failing to pursue charges, pointing out the flaws in the system that allow alleged rapists to be protected from more serious consequences.