April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Illinois Tech is encouraging the university community to wear teal ribbons during the month of April to promote awareness. Complimentary teal ribbons will be available in IIT Tower, Suite 2D7-1. Ribbons can also be delivered to you. Email Abigail Student (astudent@iit.edu) with the number of ribbons you need and the delivery location. In addition to showing your support by wearing teal, please come to the many events we have scheduled for the month.

In a collaborative effort, Illinois Tech students, the Office of Title IX Compliance, the Office of Campus Life, and Student Health and Wellness Center have organized the following upcoming events for the campus community:

Support Tree on the Bridge

Wednesday, April 3 and Thursday, April 4 from noon–2 p.m. on the MTCC Bridge

To kick off the month, we will have table on the bridge where members of the campus community can get information about upcoming SAAM events, enjoy a sweet treat, and sign their name to a leaf that will be displayed on our Support Tree all month long.

Not Your Mother’s Consent Workshop

Tuesday, April 9 from 4:30–6 p.m. in the MTCC Pritzker Club

A guest speaker will be providing an informative and fun workshop to define and explore the topic of consent. Food will be provided.

Game Show Night and Kahoot

Thursday, April 18 from 4:30–6 p.m. in MTCC Center Court

Engage and learn about sexual assault awareness and prevention in a fun and interactive format. Attendees can play in teams for “Jeopardy.” Those who do not wish to participate in “Jeopardy” can observe and participate in Kahoot polls and quizzes. Food will be provided.

Paint the Space Safe

Tuesday, April 23 from 7:30–9 p.m. in MTCC Pritzker Club

Destress during finals week by painting a fun and inclusive work of art that will be displayed in the Title IX Office. It is our hope to decorate the office with art that will make all feel welcome and supported. We will have relaxing music, coffee, and cookies. You do not need to paint in order to attend!

Denim Day

Wednesday April 24, all day—organized by the Student Health and Wellness Center

As done in years past, the university invites those who would like to stand in support of survivors of sexual assault to observe Denim Day. Denim Day refers to an Italian court case that caused outrage when judges did not convict a rapist because the victim wore jeans. The judge presiding over the case ruled that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her attacker remove them, indicating consent. Those in support of the victim were outraged and Denim Day became a way to speak out against sexual assault. Visit the Denim Day website for more information.

These events are for the entire campus community. Students, faculty, and staff are all encouraged to participate.