Denim Day -- Thursday, April 23rd
 |
Educate ~ Promote ~ Empower Wear Denim on Thursday, April 23rd Step Forward and Take a Stand Against Rape! |
In 1992, an 18-year-old girl in Italy was picked up by her driving instructor to begin a driving lesson. Soon after, she was raped on the side of the road by the instructor. She pressed charges and won her case. The instructor appealed, and the case went to the Italian High Court.
In 1999, the High Court overturned the conviction, with a member of the Court declaring that since the victim wore very tight jeans, the instructor could not have removed them himself, therefore the victim must have willingly participated.
Women of the Italian Legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans to work. As news of the decision spread, so did the protest. In April 1999, a social service agency in Los Angeles established the first Denim Day in the United States. Since then several entities in other states have hosted events.
To help commemorate Denim Day, University Health, Wellness, and Counseling Services and the UMSL College of Nursing will distribute Step Forward lapel pins (designed by a student at University of Missouri-Columbia), educational/awareness materials, and will be available to talk about sexual assault prevention.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1st Floor MSC- The Nosh