On Friday, April 8, students wore a variety of stereotypical “slutty” outfits and walked proudly around the residential quad as part of the first West Chester University SlutWalk.
According to West Chester University sophomore Sabrina Glass, member of the Sexual Misconduct Advocacy Group (SMAG), the intent of the walk was to “make it known on campus that rape culture, victim blaming, and slut shaming are very real on our campus.”
SlutWalks have been done all over the country, but this was WCU’s first one that expressed the issues that have been occurring, especially recently, with sexual misconduct on and off campus.
“Roughly 30 to 45 people showed up and we marched a route around campus. As we went through the residential quad, a dorm building was having a fire drill so they all saw us which was great. As we marched we yelled multiple chants about ending rape culture and slut shaming,” said Glass.
A police officer gave the students his number in case any problems were to arise, but there was little to no resistance to the march.
Those who watched took videos, photos and cheered the students on. A professor also took part in videotaping the march and interviewed Glass and others for a documentary she’s planning on making.
Women are often blamed for wearing clothes that are “asking” for the horrible crimes that are committed against them.
What you wear does not and should not imply any sort of consent for anyone to sexually assault them.
If you or someone you know is interesting in being a part of SMAG, the organization meets Thursday nights at 7 p.m. and you can get on their email list and ask them questions at smagwcupa@gmail.com.
“Participants all reacted very positively and said that they enjoyed it and felt very empowered,” said Glass. “I hope that we’re able to do it again next year and potentially do it every semester.”
Samantha Mineroff is a second-year student majoring in English with a minor in creative writing. Contact them at SM825021@wcupa.edu