'Take Back the Night'

JOHNSON CITY (April 3, 2018) – East Tennessee State University students are set to “Take Back the Night” in an annual event raising awareness about sexual, relationship and gender violence.

On Tuesday, April 10, the “Take Back the Night” candlelight vigil will honor survivors of sexual and personal violence.  Participants will begin with sign-making at Borchuck Plaza in front of the Sherrod Library at 6:30 p.m., with a march around the ETSU campus starting at 7 p.m.  After the march, guest speakers will discuss “Take Back the Night” and what it means to them, as well as share their own experiences with sexual and relationship violence.  In addition, the mic will be opened for others who wish to share their stories.  The vigil will conclude with the lighting of candles and a moment of silence to honor survivors, followed by a reception with light snacks.

Members of the campus community will have an opportunity to “Break the Silence” surrounding violence against women with the Clothesline Project at Borchuck Plaza on Tuesday and Thursday, April 10 and 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. both days.  Participants may hang T-shirts that tell their own stories or the stories of people they know, or that make statements regarding gender violence.  Clothesline Project T-shirts produced Tuesday will be up for viewing at Borchuck Plaza on Wednesday, April 11.

In addition, ETSU’s fifth annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event will be held April 12, beginning with check-in and shoe rental pick-up at 5 p.m. at Borchuck Plaza.

This special “race,” which will start at 6:15 p.m., is an International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence.  Participating men will don high heels for this one-mile march through the ETSU campus.  All are welcome to participate, but those who do not identify as men may wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes.

Organizations, athletic teams, departments and groups of friends are encouraged to form and enter as teams.  Awards will be presented for Most Spirited Team, Most Spirited Individual, Most Spirited Cheering Squad, Best Walk and Mr. Congeniality.

Registration is $5.  Male participants may rent high-heeled shoes for $5 or bring their own.  Proceeds will benefit Johnson City/Washington County Family Justice Center, which provides counseling, advocacy, law enforcement, legal aid and more for those who have experienced relationship or sexual violence. 

In the case of rain, the outdoor events will move to The Cave in the D.P. Culp University Center.

The “Take Back the Night” events are hosted by Outreach and Advocacy: Sexuality Information for Students (OASIS), along with the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) and the Gender Equality Movement (GEM) at ETSU.

For more information or “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” registration, call the ETSU Counseling Center at 423-439-3333 or email oasis@etsu.edu. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.