Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A series of campus events are planned during April as part of Mississippi State's observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
"Our activities represent a concerted effort to raise awareness of sexual violence and promote its prevention," said director Beatrice Tatem of the university's Student Counseling Services Office. "We are inviting all faculty, staff, students, and organizations to participate."
The programs include [by date]:
--April 2, Sexual Assault Awareness ribbon campaign launch, a campus-wide distribution of teal-colored lapel strips--national symbols for the observance.
--April 11, "Stepping Out Against Sexual Assault" exhibit, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Drill Field. A series of visual displays detailing numerous sexual assault-related issues, the program is co-sponsored with the Division of Student Affairs' Sexual Assault Services Office, Delta Sigma Theta sorority and campus members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
--April 9-13, Blue Jeans Drive, 106 Lee Hall. The collection of pre-owned denim jeans for initial display on the Drill Field and later distribution to Safe Haven Inc.
--April 18, "Take Back the Night" march, 6-8 p.m. After assembling on the Drill Field in front of Lee Hall, the gathering will walk across campus to the MSU Amphitheater for a rally and candle-light vigil recognizing all sexual assault victims. Student organizations are being asked to develop banners and signs that address the month's theme.
--April 25, Denim Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Drill Field. The continuation of an international protest, Denim Day was begun in 1999 when a senior Italian court voided a rape conviction by implicating the victim. According to the ruling, the woman was deemed an accomplice since she would have had to assist the assailant in removing the pair of jeans she was wearing.
For more information, contact Tatem at 662-325-2091 or Krista Harris at 325-3518.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.