A Student Organization Successfully Advocated Awareness During Sexual Assault Awareness Month (Draft)
PaceUEndRape presented a “ Week of Action Against Sexual Violence” this past month, from April 15 to April 22.
PaceUEndRape is a student organization that was developed in response to a Huffington Article Post in 2014. The article revealed the lack of support given by the school to a student who was a victim of sexual assault.
The week began on April 15, with the “Night of Noise” featuring Cece McDonald and Joshua Allen, followed by the Hollaback! Anti-Street Harassment Rally, a discussion on Consent Culture at Pace: A Student-Only Townhall, Take Back The Day & Night, the Feminist ARTivism Gallery on April 20th, and a CCAR Activist Workshop on “Effective Communication Strategy”.
Two of the events focused on incorporating art into activism. These two events, Take Back the Day/Night (April 19th), and the Feminist ARTivism Gallery (April 20th). Both events featured artwork by students, in various mediums, ranging from painting, photography, video, writing, and more. Take Back the Day/Night encouraged attendants to create their own works of art, whether it was adding to collaborative acrylic paintings, or coloring as a means of stress therapy.
Briana Iacia, a current junior, describes her role: “As a Communications Associate for #PaceUEndRape, my main role in our Week of Action was to market the events. A few of my responsibilities included creating the master flyer design and keeping our social media accounts updated during the events.” Briana’s favorite event turned out to be Tuesday’s “Take Back the Night” Open Mic, because she was pleased to have such a turnout.
Briana Iacia sums up the week with this: “Sexual violence is not an easy topic to talk about, and coupled with student apathy, it can be difficult to organize meaningful advocacy events on campus. But together, we all created a space where survivors could feel safe enough to openly share their experiences, a space where allies felt inspired enough to offer their respect and support. To me, that is a success.”
