[423] ANNUAL WOMEN’S CENTER ACTIVITIES DENOUNCE SEXUAL ASSAULT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: June Anderson Women’s Center, 615-898-2193

ANNUAL WOMEN’S CENTER ACTIVITIES DENOUNCE SEXUAL ASSAULT
Clothesline Project, Take Back the Night Raise Awareness of Violence against Women

(MURFREESBORO) – The late feminist author Audrey Lord said “Your silence will not protect you.” That’s why MTSU students, faculty and staff will speak out Monday, April 20, through Wednesday, April 22, during the June Anderson Women’s Center’s annual Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night activities.
“If you really want to make a change, especially here on our campus, this is a great way to say you won’t tolerate sexual violence,” says Terri Johnson, director of the Women’s Center.
The Clothesline Project uses T-shirts with messages that protest violence against women. The shirts, some from past projects and some newly designed, will hang on the line from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20-22 on the Keathley University Center (KUC) knoll. Stories of sexual assault will be displayed around the T-shirts, as well.
At 4 p.m. on Monday, April 20, the JAWC will show “I Never Thought It Was Rape” in the KUC Theater. This documentary will dispel misconceptions about sexual assault by depicting and explaining confusing situations that could impact both the target and the perpetrator for the rest of their lives.
Instructors from Progressive Martial Arts will offer free self-defense training from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, April 20, in Dining Room C of MTSU’s James Union Building.
Take Back the Night is a multifaceted activity that will include a candlelight vigil, an open microphone for anyone to express views on sexual assault, music by Jay Chalmers and a march around campus. It will start on the KUC knoll on Tuesday, April 21, and is slated to last from 6-9 p.m.
An additional feature of this year’s Take Back the Night is “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.” Organized by MTSU senior Malcolm Oyobio, members of two fraternities and all other males who wish to participate will walk in the campus march in high-heeled shoes. The concept is aimed at giving men an idea of what women go through wearing uncomfortable shoes to make themselves look more attractive.
All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the June Anderson Women’s Center at 615-898-2193.