WSU Women’s Center Hosts Rally to Take Stance Against Sexual Violence
OGDEN, Utah — The Women’s Center at Weber State University is hosting Take Back the Night, an event to bring awareness to sexual violence, on April 14. A cross-campus march will begin next to the Moench statue at noon, and a vigil will be held in Residence Hall at 8 p.m. to honor those who have experienced sexual violence.
The event will include a keynote speech from Rep. Angela Romero before the march. WSU President Charles Wight and Waldo the Wildcat will also join the event.
A speakout for survivors to share their stories will follow the march. The speakout will offer a safe place for a discussion about sexual violence and prevention.
“Take Back the Night is an event where survivors of sexual violence can feel their collective power, know that they are not alone, raise their voices and create an impact in our community,” said Stephanie McClure, Women’s Center director. “It gives us an opportunity to unite and stand up to violence.”
A sign making party will be held in the Women’s Center, located in the Shepherd Union Room 322, prior to the march. Students can make their own signs to carry throughout the march, or they can choose from a variety of premade options. Participants can also pick up free T-shirts, pins and sexual violence resource packets.
“This gives all of us an opportunity to stand up and say violence is not OK,” McClure said. “It won't be tolerated, and we are committed to working together to stop violence on this campus and within our communities.”
Take Back the Night events have been held on campuses and in communities around the globe for more than 30 years. This year will mark WSU’s first time taking part in the event.
The event is free and open to the public. The Nontraditional Student Center will provide free childcare to those who need it during the evening vigil and speakout for those who notify the Women’s Center by April 7. An American Sign Language interpreter will be present for Rep. Romero’s speech, the evening vigil and the speakout.
Disclosures of sexual assault, rape, exploitation or past child abuse involving people 18 years and older at Take Back the Night are confidential under the protection of Title IX. However, disclosures regarding children cannot be kept confidential and must be reported to the Child Protective Services by Utah law.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Rachel Badali, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Stephanie McClure, Women’s Center Director
801-626-6090 • stephaniemcclure@weber.edu