April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Illinois Tech is encouraging the university community to wear teal ribbons during the month to promote awareness. Complimentary teal ribbons will be available in the IIT Tower, Room 10C3-2. Ribbons can also be delivered to you. Email Molly Lamping Fleck (mfleck2@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, the Student Health and Wellness Center, and the Women’s Center have organized a full calendar of events for the campus community, which can be found on Suitable. Here are a few highlights:

Cupcake Kickoff
April 6 from Noon-2 p.m. on the MTCC Bridge
April 12 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Chicago-Kent College of Law
To kick off the month, we will have a 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.

Paint and Pizza
April 21, 5 p.m.-6 p.m. in MTCC Ballroom – co-hosted by Prism
Destress 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 and pizza. Folks do not need to paint in order to attend.

Denim Day
April 27, all day
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 tight 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.

These events are for the entire campus community. Students, faculty, and staff are all encouraged to participate. Click here to see the full calendar of events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.