By Alexander Gilbert
On April 24, communities around the globe will take part in Denim Day, spreading awareness of sexual assault victims and uniting together towards sexual assault prevention. On Denim Day, participants wear jeans to symbolize their support for sexual assault victims.
According to the official Denim Day website, the campaign began in 1992, following the Italian Supreme Court’s controversial decision to overturn a sexual assault conviction. The justices ruled that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, that she must have helped her assailant remove them. The next day, women in Italy’s Parliament wore jeans in protest of the court’s decision, sparking a symbolic protest that spread globally. The movement soon became Denim Day, an annual day to raise awareness about sexual assault and support victims. The first Denim Day in the United States was held in 1999, making this year’s event the 25th annual Denim Day.
On the week of April 24, Western New England University will be doing its part to stand up against sexual assault by hosting multiple programs and events focused on Denim Day and sexual assault prevention.
Sexual assault is a major issue at colleges across the country, and Western New England University works hard to raise awareness and offer support to students, especially through their Title IX program.
Sarah Butterick, the Title IX Coordinator and Compliance Officer at Western New England University, strives to create a safe environment for students and provide resources for students who need help. She explains that her “responsibilities include overseeing all complaints of sex discrimination” and “educating the campus on the University’s Title IX Policy.”
Butterick notes that this education involves teaching students about “prohibited conduct, how to make a report, how to seek support, and bystander intervention through tabling events, hosting speakers, and holding other types of events such as Denim Day.” As an internationally recognized movement, organizing Denim Day programs on campus is a powerful and impactful way to bring awareness to sexual assault and resources for victims.
Beth Hill, Deputy Title IX Coordinator on campus, will be organizing and leading Denim Day at Western New England University, working with a committee of students, faculty, and staff who wish to support and educate the campus community on the issue of sexual assault.
Although a serious topic, Hill hopes that with their programs they can “create an environment that will provide some education in an interactive way,” with “trivia, giveaways, opportunities to pledge against sexual violence, and a host of other interactive topics.” The community will additionally have the opportunity to meet Title IX Coordinator Butterick, Title IX Deputy Coordinators, members of student organizations, faculty, and YMCA representatives.
The primary event for Denim Day will be a table set up at the gazebo outside of Deliso Hall and will run throughout the morning and afternoon on April 24.
In order to gather and organize leaders and volunteers for the Denim Day programs, Hill explained that back in January a call to action was sent on University Posts, asking students to get involved.
One of the students who got involved was Courtney Farrell, a junior psychology major with minors in criminal justice and social work. Farrell explained that she jumped on the opportunity and that she “immediately filled out the google form.” Farrell said she has “volunteered for Denim Day for the past several years and wanted to take on a bigger role this year.”
Alongside organizing the Denim Day event at the gazebo, Farrell explained she has “helped CAB and Pre-Law Society partner with the Denim Day committee” in order to put on various events throughout the week. As an E-Board member of both organizations during the planning of Denim Day 2024, Farrell was able to coordinate programs relating to sexual assault awareness through CAB and the Pre-Law Society.
Pre-Law Society will be showcasing the film On the Basis of Sex on Thursday, April 25, from 8 p.m – 10 p.m. in the Campus Center Mall. The 2018 film, based on a true story, follows the life of future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she struggles to fight for equal rights. Butterick highly recommends the film, noting “it has humor, touching moments, history, and an important message.”
Additional programs include a play reading and an informational session about relationships. The One Love training called “Behind the Post” will be held on April 23 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. and will be hosted by both Butterick and Hill. The program will allow participants to discuss and reflect upon the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, both romantic and platonic. On April 23, beginning at 5 p.m., Feminists Unite will host the second annual Sexual Assault Awareness Play Reading in Wood Auditorium. This year, the play “Sensitive Guys” will be read, followed by a Title IX Q&A session.
To all students and faculty at Western New England University, we all highly encourage you to wear denim on Wednesday, April 24, and show your support against sexual assault. Everyone can help raise awareness of sexual assault, whether it’s attending various programs, talking with a friend, or wearing jeans around campus during Denim Day. Throughout the week, there will be plenty of opportunities around campus to learn how to help prevent sexual assault, reach out for help, and offer your support to victims.
As a student at Western New England University, Farrell highlights the importance of taking part in Denim Day, noting that “the majority of us know of someone who has been impacted by sexual assault.” She explains that “Denim Day is a day of solidarity to combat sexual assault and to continue the educator of Denim Day for future Golden Bears.”
Farrell concludes her message by saying, “by taking part in Denim Day, whether it’s attending the events, volunteering, or wearing denim, you are helping the fight to end sexual assault.”
Available Resources at Western New England University
Title IX & Compliance Officer: 413-782-1216
Health and Wellness (Health Services and Counseling Services): 413-782-1211
Campus Police: 413-782-1207 (non-emergency) 413-782-1411 *emergencies only
Human Resources: 413-782-1549
Student Life: 413-782-1282
YWCA: 413-733-7100
RAINN: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
