Promoting cause in black tees

Walk around campus today, and you may be prompted to “ask me why I’m wearing black.”

Thursdays in Black will promote solidarity and sexual assault awareness by encouraging students to wear black every Thursday in April. The joint project was organized by the IU Student Association’s Department of Women’s Affairs; Raising Awareness of Interactions in Sexual Encounters; the Office for Women’s Affairs; and the Women’s Student Association.

Near the clock tower by Woodburn Hall, students from these organizations handed out black T-shirts with electric blue writing inviting others to “ask” about their meaning.

“And if someone asks why you’re wearing black, you tell them, ‘Hey, we’re trying to stand up as a campus and a community against sexual violence,’” said senior Kolby Harrell, a member of RAISE.

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Harrell said RAISE has been practicing Thursdays in Black in April for as long as he has been involved. This year, he said he sees the joint effort as a way to connect a variety of student organizations that are working toward a common goal.

Volunteers handed out pledge cards as well. These included facts about sexual assault, contacts for resources and further information about RAISE and WSA and three pledge points describing the statement volunteers will make by wearing the shirts.

The pledge cards state that by wearing shirts, volunteers are acknowledging that sexual activity without consent is always sexual assault, that sexual assault is a serious problem on our campus and that they will help end assault by always asking for consent and encouraging others to do the same.

According to www.stopcampusrape.net, Thursdays in Black began at IU in 2004. Similar events can be found as far away as New Zealand.

“I think this is really easy for somebody to do. You don’t have to have every fact straight — you just make yourself visible,” WSA president and junior Jenna Graham said.

IUSA Chief of Women’s Affairs and senior Sarah Robinson said the organization chose to sponsor the event this year as a show of support.

“IUSA as a student government at IU takes this issue seriously and wants to point out the other work that smaller groups are doing in the community,” Robinson said.

Robinson said RAISE, Sexual Assault Crisis Service and the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office will be sponsoring 10 sessions of the program “Blame it on the Alcohol? The Truths, Myths and Laws of Sexual Assault” during April.

“It doesn’t hurt to be safe,” junior Caitlyn Evans said, recalling the instances of campus rape reported this year.

Sophomore Claire Robinson said she looked forward to seeing the results today.

“I think it will be a cool, unified response of students if it works,” Robinson said.