University of Arkansas to Hold Third Annual NWA 'Take Back the Night’ March

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas and the RESPECT group (Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought) will hold the third annual Northwest Arkansas "Take Back the Night" march at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29.

The theme of the march is that all human beings have the right to be free from sexual violence, the right to be heard and the right to reclaim those rights if they are violated. The public is invited to attend.

“The subject of sexual violence is a community issue,” said Dr. Mary A. Wyandt, director of the Support, Training, Advocacy and Resource (S.T.A.R.) Center. “'Take Back the Night’ is designed to create awareness, to empower individuals and to inspire action that will bring an end to [sexual] violence.”

Scheduled events include:

6:30 p.m. - Meet at the Fayetteville Square, Arvest Plaza

7 p.m. - Opening remarks, including a proclamation read by Mayor Coody

7:15 p.m. - March from the Fayetteville Square to the Arkansas Union Courtyard by way of Block Street, Dickson Street, and across the U of A campus

8 p.m. - Closing ceremonies with events and exhibits in the Arkansas Union Courtyard

Activities at the Arkansas Union include the Campus Clothesline Project, a step show, a speak-out, a candlelight vigil and more. Area agencies with more information about sexual assault will also be at the march.

Commemorative "glow-in-the-dark" T-shirts are available ($10 per shirt) available at the march and at the University of Arkansas Pat Walker Health Center while supplies last. Proceeds will benefit rape awareness and prevention education. For more information, call 575-7252.