Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2008
Two Westminster College fraternities will co-sponsor "Take Back the Night," a week of activities to benefit the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County. All activities are open to the public.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and protest sexual assault and violence toward women. The roots of "Take Back the Night" date back to 1976, when women attending the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women protested the fear and violence they experienced in the night streets.
Anthony Gomez of Theta Chi and Christopher Kadvan of Sigma Phi Epsilon are co-chairs.
A women's self-defense clinic will kick off the week Sunday, April 13, at noon in Old 77. David Howard will lead the session, which is free to all women.
A survivor speak-out will be held Tuesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Berlin Student Lounge of the McKelvey Campus Center. Donations will be accepted.
Thursday, April 17, features Westminster students Levi Sanchez and Ben Portz in a Girls' Night Out concert at 7 p.m. in the Berlin Student Lounge. Admission for women is free; men are asked for a donation of money, toiletry items, or non-perishable food, which will go to the shelter.
The week culminates in a "Take Back the Night" rally and march Friday, April 18, at 8 p.m. in Orr Auditorium and on the Quad. Speakers include Westminster College President R. Thomas Williamson and Dr. Sherri Pataki, assistant professor of psychology.
Marching permits and candles will be sold in the TUB Sunday-Friday during lunch (noon-1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5-6:30 p.m.).
Contact Gomez (e-mail gomezad@westminster.edu) or Kadvan (e-mail kadvanca@westminster.edu) for additional information.
