On Friday, April 8, St. Thomas community members are invited to become activists by wearing jeans on Denim Day, an internationally recognized day of protest against continued sexual violence in the world.
Sponsored on campus by the Sexual Violence and Rape Prevention Programming Committee and the Luann Dummer Center for Women, Denim Day stems from a 1992 Italian court case in which the conviction of a rapist was overturned. Because the victim was wearing jeans, the judge ruled that “she had to help him (the rapist) remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”
As a sign of protest to what many deemed an "unconscionable" court decision, the women of the Italian legislature began wearing jeans to work. St. Thomas will use this fashion statement on Denim Day to create awareness about sexual violence.
To participate:
- Pick up a Denim Day button from one of the sponsoring locations listed below. Buttons will be available beginning Monday, April 4.
- On April 8, wear jeans and a Denim Day button.
- When people ask about the button, share the story and the awareness that sexual violence is an injustice that all community members have a part in preventing. Take the opportunity to teach those around you about the importance of consent and bystander intervention.
Employee participants are encouraged to check with supervisors in advance about wearing denim on April 8.
Button pick-up locations:
St. Paul
- Luann Dummer Center for Women
- Campus Life Office
- Commuter Center
- Wellness Center
- Personal Counseling
- Dean of Students Office
Minneapolis
- Law Library
- Health Services
For more information e-mail Dr. Susan Myers.
