Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus Interim Vice Chancellor Larry Richards is advocating for faculty, staff and students to wear denim Wednesday, April 27, in a unified stand against sexual assault. The IUPUC community will join others across the U.S. in support of victims of sexual assault and the need for education about sexual assault.

Dr. Richards shares, “I would encourage IUPUC faculty and staff to participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 27 in whatever way you feel comfortable, and your supervisor regards as appropriate. Please feel free to explain Denim Day to those with whom you interact on Wednesday, who might not know about it.” Additionally, shares Dr. Richards, “Sexual violence remains a serious issue worldwide, in our organizations and our society, as well as our everyday lives, and enhanced awareness of the problem can help.

The IUPUC Feminism Club and other students have done a great job in organizing the day. The display, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the entrance of the campus Learning Center. During the event, at 11:30 a.m., a representative from the mayor's office will provide a proclamation.

Denim Day began after the rape of an 18-year-old woman was picked up by a 45-year-old driving instructor in Rome, Italy. After an hour of driving, the instructor raped her and left her in an alley. After reporting the incident to the police, the case was prosecuted; the instructor was convicted of the 1992 rape and sentenced, but the Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction in 1998 because the victim wore tight jeans. The premise for the defense contended that the woman must have helped her attacker remove her jeans, thus making the act consensual. The women of the Italian Parliament protested the decision by wearing jeans.