Political activist Emma Sulkowicz discussed her journey to becoming a performance artist at the panel “Carry Your Weight: Sexual Violence on Campus” on Thursday, Nov. 9, at Graham Chapel. 

The 2013 Clery Report, which records crimes that have occurred on or around the Washington University campus, indicated a 150 percent increase in reported forcible sex offenses in the past year. This, in addition to the “carry the weight” movement spurred by Columbia University student Emma Sulkowicz, has contributed to the whirlwind of recent attention regarding sexual assault on college campuses along with street harassment.

Carrying mattresses on their backs and pillows under their arms, a large group of students made their way across campus and into classes on Wednesday to raise awareness about sexual assault.