In an effort to raise awareness of sexual violence, Lander University will host "Denim Day," on Wednesday, April 24, standing in solidarity against acts of sexual violence on college campuses and around the world.
The event is part of a larger international movement that began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court, in which a rape conviction was overturned because the justices believed that, since the victim was wearing tight-fitting jeans, she must have helped the perpetrator by removing her jeans, thereby implying her consent.
The following day, the women of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in support of the victim. Since then, organizers around the world have worn jeans on Denim Day as a symbol of protest against such attitudes toward sexual abuse, assault, harassment and rape.
The event is being organized by Lander's Division of Student Affairs and will feature several events for students, faculty and staff throughout the day, including a denim fashion show. Students and campus organizations will also have the opportunity to utilize social media by tagging their group photos with #LUDenimDay to show their support online.