More than 225 members of Peru State College’s campus, mostly students, came together Monday evening, April 4, to launch Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
The crowd donned teal SAAM awareness shirts and signed cards pledging to “create an environment in which sexual assault unacceptable and survivors are supported.” They affixed the cards to the campus’ security vehicle as part of the Cover the Cruiser event.
After hearing remarks presented by President Michael Evans, Student Senate President Alyse Foster, sophomore criminal justice – administration major from Indianola, and others, percussionist Matthew Leininger, junior biochemical science major from Auburn, and Evans led the crowd on a solemn march around the campus Quad. The route was decorated with sidewalk-chalked messages of support for sexual assault survivors, yard signs displaying SAAM statistics and consent guidelines, with every campus tree and light pole wrapped in teal ribbons.
The march concluded at the doors of AV Larson, where the group attended the opening reception of “What were you wearing? A Survivor Art Installation.” The exhibit provides a tangible response to one of our culture’s most pervasive rape myths. Curated by Susan Moore, assistant professor of art, “What were you wearing?” is made of clothing ensembles of sexual assault survivors, created by Peru students and staff in response to statements collected from University of Arkansas students. The exhibit remains on view in AV Larson Art Gallery through April 29, during business regular hours Monday through Friday.
SAAM events at Peru State College continue throughout the entire month. The schedule can be found here.
Original source can be found here.
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