More male students participated in this year’s Take Back the Night than years past, a Women’s Initiative-sponsored rally for AU students to speak out against sexual assault.
Women’s Initiative Co-directors for Stopping Sexual Assault and Violence Against Women Laura Kiefer and Amanda Krause said they were pleased that men marched to show their support and took part in the testimonials.
“Sometimes I think people mistake Take Back the Night as an event that is only for women, but that’s not the case,” Krause said.
The women’s Batala percussion band opened AU’s eighth annual Take Back the Night with drumming and chanting, prompting students to dance samba, clap and whistle.
“Initially I just heard the drums and thought it was amazing,” said School of Communication freshman Chris Carillo. “But when I joined the march and heard the chanting, it made me want to stay even more.”
Department of Public Safety officers helped direct the marching students throughout campus.
Lt. Rima Sifri said the event was “all about everybody here tonight” and that they were “all here to support each other.”
Throughout the march, students cheered and chanted slogans such as “Hey hey, ho ho, date rape has got to go!” and “1, 2, 3, 4, we won’t take it anymore! 5, 6, 7, 8, no more violence, no more hate!”
Batala and Treble in Paradise performed at Kay Spiritual Center, followed by student testimonials of their experiences with sexual assault and violence. A moment of silence was held for all those who have suffered sexual violence and assault.
“We want everyone to know that this event is to allow all people to share their voices and tell their stories,” Krause said.
Krause and Kiefer said they were happy with the number of students who participated in Take Back the Night.
“I was excited that students still stayed because they were interested in the issue and not just the entertainment,” Krause said.
news@theeagleonline.com
