Student Union and the Center for Gender, Sexuality and Activism moved forward with plans for a “Take Back the Night” rally in response to recent alleged sexual assault incidents.
The rally is expected to be held on BU Beach on March 30 at 7 p.m.
“We just feel that right now is an opportune time to educate and enact change on our campus,” said CGSA representative Kelseanna Smith, a College of Arts and Sciences junior, in an email interview.
Smith said the rally will feature keynote speakers, a speak out session, a candlelight vigil for victims and survivors of sexual abuse and a paper mural for people to voice opinions about “rape culture” and recent incidents.
The rally is meant to make a statement about sexual violence and promote a no-tolerance policy on rape culture and sexual violence at BU, Smith said.
“Take Back the Night is a movement,” Smith said. “The name comes from the idea that many people have felt uncomfortable walking alone at night, that the night is a dangerous time – so the rally is ‘taking it back.’”
The plans followed Union’s vote to support the rally at its Feb. 28 meeting, according to a Feb. 29 article in The Daily Free Press.
In a Thursday press release, Union stated its support as a way to address the hockey player arrests, “peeping Toms,” the Student Health Services hotline issue, Barstool Blackout parties and “slut shaming” related to BU.
CAS freshman Rea Sowan, a CGSA representative, said women’s sentiments about feeling unsafe walking late at night serves as a testament to the existence of a rape culture.
“The vision is to begin with a speak-out with keynote speakers, followed by a march and to end with a range of cathartic activities aimed toward reclamation and empowerment,” Sowan said.
Andrew Wasserstein, Union’s director of public relations, said senators voted to support the rally after CGSA members asked.
“When students actually see a rally and a community gathering, they’ll get the feeling that what is happening is real and that we’re all here together for the same purpose,” Wasserstein, a College of Communication sophomore, said in a phone interview.
Union President Howard Male said the two groups’ prior relationship facilitated Union’s endorsement.
“Boston University students do not condone, and will not accept, a culture where sexual assault is permitted, and this was reflected in the Senate’s decision to support this positive community-building, awareness-raising event,” Male, a School of Management and School of Hospitality senior, said.
One out of five college women will be sexually assaulted, according to research funded by the National Institute of Justice and the Department of Defense.
“That is 1 out of 5 too many,” Sowan said in an email. “It is no secret that a culture of rape exists . . .. Hopefully taking action will show survivors of sexual assault that they are not alone and encourage them to speak up.”
Wasserstein said Union is expected to continue to work with the CGSA to finalize the details of the rally and how to best advertise it.
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