The Feminism Club at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) will participate in the 16th celebration of Denim Day on Wednesday, April 29. By joining forces with the Domestic Violence Action Team (DVAT), the Feminism Club will spread awareness about misconceptions that surround sexual assault by wearing jeans in protest.

Denim Day began when the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction in 1999 by stating that the victim’s jeans were too tight, and she must have helped her rapist remove them. The following day, jeans were worn to work in solidarity with the victim.

The students, staff and faculty of IUPUC are invited to wear jeans on April 29, 2015. The Feminism Club students will operate a booth on Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a visual display to send messages of hope and encouragement to survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence.

According to Michaela Wischmeier, Vice President of Feminism Club, “Everyone is encouraged to add messages to the denim clothing and posters that will be an active part of the display. We hope that you'll take part in this activity to show your support of victims of sexual abuse and violence and to foster awareness of rape and violence in April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness month.”

For more information on this event, contact Michaela Wischmeier at micwisch@iupuc.edu (Vice President of Feminism Club) and Julie Goodspeed-Chadwick at juligood@iupuc.edu (Faculty Advisor of Feminism Club).