[118] MTSU to make statement against gender-based violence at Sept. 29 football game

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —Small swatches of teal will decorate the fans’ attire this Saturday at MTSU’s annual blackout football game.

While the fans will be encouraged to wear black at the Blue Raiders’ football clash with the Florida Atlantic University Owls, they also will be urged to wear free teal-colored ribbons as a statement in defiance of violence against women.

Volunteers from MTSU Athletics and the Student Government Association will be at each gate of Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium from 4:30 p.m. until the scheduled 6 p.m. kickoff with ribbons and information about prevention and what to do in potentially violent situations. 

“The mentality around consent, sexual assault, domestic violence, all starts with that person individually and making sure they know what healthy and unhealthy relationships are so they can prevent gender-based violence on our campus,” said Barbara Scales, director of the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students.

Scales said a video featuring head football coach Rick Stockstill and MTSU athletes providing information about preventing violence against women will air on the stadium’s giant screens prior to the game and during halftime.

The teal ribbon handout is supported by the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students, MTSU Athletics, the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, the MTSU Nonviolence Committee, the Student Government Association and the Tina Stewart Fund.

For more information, contact Scales at 615-898-5812 or barbara.scales@mtsu.edu.