Office of Counseling Services celebrates Sexual Assault Awareness Month with Denim Day

In honor of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Office of Counseling Services at Alcorn State University recognized the month by spreading awareness.

The Office hosted Denim Day, which is a national initiative that combats sexual assault and violence against women, Wednesday, April 25 in the lobby of the Dr. Clinton Bristow Dining Hall Facility. 

The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. 

The purpose of the event was to provide students, faculty and staff with information concerning sexual assault awareness and tips on staying safe. Participants were given Denim Day 2018 t-shirts for their support.

For more information, contact the Office of Counseling Services at (601) 877-6230.