Denim Day started years ago in Italy after a sexual assault victim who had been wearing jeans was not taken seriously. The following day, people in the community wore denim and jeans to show their support for her.
Participating organizations included SEMO-NASV, Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau, Safe House of Southeast Missouri, the Center of Behavioral Health and Accessibility, Iota Chi, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Office of Equity and Initiatives and the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and First Year Senators of the Student Government Association.
Second-year Graduate student and business administration major Kate Appleman is the graduate assistant for the Dean of Students as well as the advisor for Iota Chi at SEMO. Appleman was in charge of the planning process for this event.
Prevention Educator at SEMO-NASV Haley Woods was present at the event on behalf of SEMO-NASV, an organization that supports survivors of any form of sexual violence.
“We observe Denim Day to support survivors and also bring awareness to sexual assault awareness month. And to bring that to the college campus so people know that their concerns or their experiences are heard, and that they deserve the help that they need,” Woods said.
Freshman Construction Management major Lee Newburger is a First Year Senator for the Student Government Association (SGA) and was in collaboration with the Denim Day Resource Fair.
“I feel like this event is just a great opportunity to find like minded people and support each other and build each other up. I found this to be a great day to share the message, and just share your voice,” Newburger said.
