A Take Back the Night event is scheduled for the first time on the NDSU campus. The rally, march through campus and candlelight vigil are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., starting in Festival Concert Hall. All NDSU faculty, students and staff are invited to participate.
Organizers say the event will address issues related to sexual violence in the community. “Sexual violence is a grim reality on college campuses. Research shows that one in five women will be victims of rape or attempted rape during their college career,” said Sarah Dodd, assistant director of NDSU’s Sexual Assault Prevention Programs. “Take Back the Night is an opportunity for the NDSU community to break the silence surrounding sexual violence in a real, tangible way – through a rally and march. The candlelight vigil intends to provide support and a sense of togetherness for individuals who have been impacted by violence.”
Dodd said, as a sign of solidarity, NDSU and Minnesota State University Moorhead will hold events on the same day. The MSUM event is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. at MacLean Hall. It is sponsored by the MSUM Women and Gender Studies Program. For more information on the MSUM event, contact Linda Fuselier at linda.fuselier@gmail.com.
The NDSU event is sponsored by Sexual Assault Prevention Programs – Office of Student Life, Greek Life, Residence Life, Equity and Diversity Center, University Police and Volunteer Network.
According to Dodd, Take Back the Night was first organized in Europe in 1976 and activities have continued throughout the world as a sign of empowerment for women, men and children.