SAAM: In Solidarity Against Sexual Violence

Photo Submitted

Razorback Stadium is lit up in the color of teal for a previous Light Up Night.

The third week of April is full as Sexual Assault Awareness Month continues to build on bringing the campus community together to speak out against sexual violence. Several events are scheduled throughout the week.

Throughout the week, the Flag Project will be on display in the grassy areas of the Union Mall. Using fall 2022 enrollment: 4,864 flags comprise this exhibit showing the likely impact of sexual violence on our campus. An Association of American Universities Study (2019) indicates 25.9% undergraduate and 9.7% graduate/professional women; 6.8% undergraduate and 2.5% graduate/professional men; 22.8% undergraduate and 14.5% graduate/professional TGQN are sexually assaulted.

Today, Tuesday, April 18, brings another Teal Tuesday. Title IX invites the campus community to wear teal, the awareness color for sexual assault, as a show of support for victims of sexual assault and sexual violence.  

Later on Tuesday, the SRVC invites the campus community and NWA community to gather in solidarity for the 21st annual Take Back the Night. Gathering for Take Back the Night will be at the Greek Theatre at 7 p.m. The evening program will feature a proclamation from the City of Fayetteville, comments from Melissa Harwood-Rom, senior associate vice chancellor/dean of students, featured remarks by Kachia Phillips, first survivor member of Hub of HOPE board of directors, and more. 

Joining Tuesday's events is Razorback Athletics. As a sign of solidarity to address sexual assault, Razorback Athletics will light the stadium teal for Light Up Night. This presents a great opportunity, especially following Take Back the Night, for personal photos to share across social media to join in campus solidarity to bringing greater awareness of sexual assault.

On Thursday, Title IX will host a panel discussion on "Title IX: What We All Need to Know." Panelists will be comprised of various campus departments that regularly work with matters pertaining to sexual assault. The panel discussion will be a virtual event. Details to be announced for accessing the virtual panel. 

Together, we can address sexual assault. For more information of upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness Month events, visit saam.uark.edu.