Since the alleged assault and death of LSU student Madison Brooks made the headlines, it’s inspired two freshman students to create a group to help other female students get home safely. Alisha Ortolano said that sadly females are abandoned without a way home more often than you’d think.
“This is very common and it’s really dear to my heart because I’ve had friends in this situation,” said Ortolano.
So Ortolano and her friend Caitlynn Bakewell created a group called LSU GIRLS RIDES on the app GroupMe. Female students are verified and when one requests a ride other members can answer the call. Ortolano said the response has been overwhelming.
“When I first started it, I maybe thought there’d be 60 girls in the group, it’d be a little thing now there are 700 girls,” said Ortolano.
Ortolano hopes other schools follow their lead and reminds women to always look after each other.
“If you see another girl that looks to be uncomfortable go check up on her or if you are uncomfortable, please do not be afraid to speak out,” said Ortolano.
Ortolano and Bakewell hope the group can prevent another tragic outcome like Brooks from ever happening again.
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