UHCL wears denim to bring awareness to sexual assault
On April 24, 2019, UHCL hosted events in honor of Denim Day. University Police Department (UPD) Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Safety tables were offered by the UHCL police department. In addition, a “Right To Wear Jeans” activity was organized by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (SDEI).
Denim Day is an international campaign run by Peace Over Violence. Denim Day has been recognized for over 20 years and is held on a designated Wednesday in April to honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The campaign started in 1992 when an Italian supreme court overturned a rape conviction, stating that the victim, an 18-year-old girl, allegedly helped her attacker, her 45-year-old driving instructor, remove her jeans because they were tight fitting, therefore implying consent.
The following day women working in Italian Parliament dressed in denim jeans to stand in solidarity with the victim. Since then the Peace Over Violence Denim Day campaign has encouraged others to wear jeans in an effort to educate the public on sexual assault issues.
This was the first year for UHCL to acknowledge Denim Day by allowing staff to wear jeans to work and hosting events to educate the student body on sexual assault and their rights. Allowing staff to wear jeans created a dialogue as many offices on campus do not permit employees to wear jeans in the office.
“Because folks do not see me in jeans very often, when I was asked about my clothing choice for the day it was a great opportunity to tell them more about the event,” said Aliyah Beavers, director of SDEI.
The events offered this year were held in collaboration by SDEI; Counseling Services; Dean of Students Office; and UPD.
“Denim Day is more relevant than ever,” said Joshua Quinn, coordinator of women, gender and sexuality for SDEI.
UPD provided students with educational materials and information on resources offered to victims. In addition, UPD answered student questions about their rights.
The “Right to Wear Jeans” activity allowed participants to “write supportive and affirming messages on jeans,” Joshua Quinn said.
Participants and UHCL community members were gathered for a group photo to display their jean outfits.
“The events were successful and helped to spread some very important information about sexual assault,” Quinn said. “Of course, there can always be greater numbers of participants, which we are hoping to have during next year’s recognition of Denim Day.”
UHCL offers a variety of resources to individuals who may be dealing with sexual assault or violence. In addition to these resources, there is an option to report violence, seek emergency services or inquire about campus safety at the bottom of every page of the UHCL website.
The following resources can be useful when dealing with sexual assault or violence: UHCL Counseling Services at https://www.uhcl.edu/counseling-services/ or 281-283-2580 for free help in coping or reporting misconduct; UHCL Care Team at https://www.uhcl.edu/care/ or call 281-283-2273 to report a crisis or misconduct; UHCL Dean of Students at https://www.uhcl.edu/dean-of-students/ or 281-283-2567 for more information about what resources are offered; the university police department at https://www.uhcl.edu/police/ or 281-283-2222 to report an emergency or get to a safe space. For all other concerns and/or to make sure an individual gets the proper care, visit https://www.uhcl.edu/student-affairs/student-engagement/diversity-inclusion/student-diversity/ or call 281-283-2575.
For more information on sexual assault:
INFOGRAPHIC: History of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and current statistics
April has been observed as the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States since 2001. Check out the infographic below to learn about the history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, statistics of sexual abuse in the U.S., and what to do if you are a victim or know someone who is a victim of sexual assault.
