BOULDER -- A newly-formed student group at the University of Colorado joined with various victims advocacy groups for a rally Monday on the CU campus in Boulder, drawing attention to the women who came forward and broke the scandal that has gripped the campus and sparked headlines nationwide.

The group -- Students Advocating for Fair and Equal Treatment -- said they don't want the victims to be overlooked in this debate and voiced concerns about an investigative panel looking into recruiting practices at CU. The independent committee is looking into allegations that the CU football program used sex and alcohol to lure top recruits.

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Watch CU Rally And Reaction

Nearly 200 people gathered by the public fountain Monday afternoon, accusing the seven-member panel of being biased because it is made up of former football players, friends of former coaches, and politicians who, they say, made statements blaming victims for their alleged assaults. The coalition of students and advocates passed out a petition during the rally, trying to get a victim's advocate assigned to the panel.

Sociology professor JoAnne Belknap said the school's unwillingness to promptly investigate allegations of sexual assault by its athletes suggests cases were either covered up or officials were "unacceptably clueless."

Some of those at the rally carried signs that read "Let's focus on justice, not the football schedule" and "Drinking + wearing a short skirt is not a rape-a-ble offense."

Representatives from the National Organization for Women in Boulder joined the group, along with two other organizations -- Moving to End Sexual Assault Now, and the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

A handful of students met privately with university President Betsy Hoffman later Monday to air their concerns.

Hoffman and Chancellor Richard Byyny issued a statement after the meeting, which read in part:

"We firmly believe that the Board of Regents created a fair process to choose a diverse panel. It is a panel of very distinguished members of the community and we entrust that they will help us get to the root of the issues."

The panel, which must issue a report by April 30, may soon be granted subpoena power.

At least two state lawmakers say they would support a bill authorizing subpoena power if it's crafted properly. With subpoena power, the panel could force people to testify who don't want to appear. However, lawmakers want to make sure the alleged victims are exempt.

The panel said Monday that they plan to establish a telephone tip line and hire an administrative director. The tip line will allow the public to provide anonymous information relevant to the investigation.

"We want to hear from students, coaches, recruits and others who have information that will help us conduct our investigation," Commission co-chair Peggy Lamm said. "We're eager to hear from as many people as possible with credible details that will help the investigation move forward."

Seven women have accused football athletes of rape since 1997, though no charges have been filed.

Parents Of Football Players Speak Out

Monday's rally countered one held on Sunday, where the parents of athletes spoke out, saying their sons can no longer walk through a mall wearing anything that will identify them as CU football players for fear of being harassed over the recruiting sex scandal.

About 45 parents gathered at a Boulder hotel in support of head football coach Gary Barnett and the university. They say the scandal has unfairly painted all football players and the university in a negative light.

"It's absurd and ridiculous to believe it would take alcohol and sex to entice them to attend this fine institution," said Bob Creighton, whose son, Paul, is a tight end.

"You cannot put a blanket stamp on the entire program," said Vivianne Gordan, the grandmother of Gary Moore, an offensive lineman. "These young people don't deserve that. I don't deserve that."

The parents also expressed unequivocal support for the embattled head coach and asked that he be reinstated.

"I've known this man to be a man of the highest integrity," said Gary Klatt, father of starting quarterback Joel Klatt.

Barnett was placed on administrative leave last week after criticizing the ability of former player Katie Hnida after she said she was raped by a teammate in 2000.

Barnett's suspension was the latest development in a burgeoning scandal that has seen three women file lawsuits alleging they were assaulted by players and high-school recruits during or after an off-campus party in 2001.

Owens To Get More Involved?

Gov. Bill Owens says he may step in the debate in the near future.

"I have been working both directly and indirectly to get to the bottom of this. It's a real embarrassment for a fine institution," Owens said on the TV program "Fox News Sunday."

"The education is a fine component, but the football has, in fact, been an embarrassment," he said.

Owens did not expand on his possible future involvement with the program. Owens has told university officials to investigate or he would take action.

Owens' options include appointing a special prosecutor, establishing another commission or working with the Legislature to take action that could include giving a panel subpoena powers.

Regis University Pulls TV Ad

Regis University officials said they'll pull the plug on a series of television ads that may appear to contain a negative reference to CU.

The ad promotes Regis with the tagline "and they did it all with no football team."

Regis officials say the ad campaign was produced three years ago, and wasn't intended as a dig against CU. Regis decided to replace the ad in question after receiving several inquiries. An ad about the school's 125th anniversary will replace it.