A “Rally for Safety” will be held tonight in light of recent tensions on campus.

The rally is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Clyde Williams Field, behind Helser Hall.

Julie Wooden, co-chair of Week Without Violence activities earlier this month, said the idea for the rally sprang from a discussion during the her committee’s meeting Friday.

“It’s important for all students to come together and show support,” Wooden said. “And let it be known that students should feel safe on campus.”

The rally is largely a response to an alleged Oct. 18 assault on black student security officer Deantrious Mitchell.

“We were sort of upset by what happened on campus since Week Without Violence,” Wooden said.

The committee has representatives from several student organizations to speak at the rally. Each representative will give short statements supporting the importance of safety for all members of the Iowa State community.

Wooden said representatives from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance (LGTBA) and YWCA will be speaking at the rally, but the committee encourages all students to speak their minds.

Groups interested in speaking are asked to contact Wooden at the YWCA at 294-1663. Representatives do not have to register to speak at the rally. They can just show up and say something, Wooden said.

She said the goal of the rally is “to bring people together for a feeling of support and safety.”

Wooden would like to see “hundreds and hundreds of students” attend the rally. She expects it to last about 30, depending on the number of speakers.

If it rains, the rally will be moved to the Pine Room in the Memorial Union.