Denim Day and Red My Lips events bring Chapman community together against sexual violence
Photo Courtesy of the Panther Archives
Every year on the last Wednesday of April, Chapman’s Creating a Rape-free Environment for Students (C.A.R.E.S.) hosts the Denim Day event on campus. This year, Panhellenic joined in to host a Red my Lips event on the same day.
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Denim Day is a campaign that was established in 1999 in solidarity with sexual assault survivors. The Red My Lips Movement was started as a way to raise awareness and end victim blaming. At the events C.A.R.E.S. and Panhellenic handed out stickers, gave out information and allowed students to sign a pledge for the Denim Wall.
Denim Day has been held on Chapman’s campus for over 20 years, and it emphasizes the importance of supporting sexual assault survivors.
Dani Smith, the director of Proactive Education Encouraging Responsibility (P.E.E.R.) and Health Education, sexual assault crisis counselor and director of C.A.R.E.S., serves as an advocate on campus and directs the events annually.
“The message of both events is that there is only one reason for sexual violence: an individual chooses to violate another human being,” Smith said. “It is never the survivor's fault.”
The events are held as a place to come together as a community and reflect on the violence that occurs on college campuses. Smith emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues through accountability and collective responsibility.
“Interpersonal and sexual violence occur frequently, and we must work together to end this violence,” said Smith. “There needs to be serious consequences for those who are harming others in this way.”
This year, Panhellenic wanted to cohost an event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and decided that Red My Lips would be the best event for their collaboration. Georgia Thompson, a junior business administration major and member of Pi Beta Phi was one of the sorority members who organized it.
“We felt this topic deserved more than just a social media post; it calls for presence and action,” Thompson told The Panther. “Dani and C.A.R.E.S. always have a display for Denim Day, but she said she would love if we took over the Red My Lips event.”
According to Thompson, there were a number of reasons why the event was important for Panhellenic to be involved in.
“Many college students have been personally affected by sexual assault or violence, so showing support to them on their campus is necessary, Thompson said. “As a women-led organization, it's even more meaningful for Panhellenic to show up and be present for causes like this.”
Panhellenic raised awareness by engaging students in unique ways, like having attendees make pledges to support sexual assault survivors.
“Student support helps send a powerful message to survivors that they are not alone. Especially with an event designed like this, where people are making a pledge, we need to have students come to make that pledge,” Thompson said. “We were so grateful that Chapman showed up for the event; we had over 130 pledges made on just our poster.”
Smith emphasized the importance of continuing to talk about these crimes and engaging in conversation about the issue. This ongoing conversation is seen as a vital step in fostering support and ensuring the presence of community.
“Students don't always realize how many of our Chapman community have been impacted because they often remain silent,” Smith told The Panther. “By working together, educating and spreading awareness, it is hoped that these crimes can stop and that survivors will be supported by our community.”
C.A.R.E.S. holds events like these all year long to continually raise awareness about sexual violence. Thompson hopes students left the Pi Phi Beta table feeling like Panhellenic is there for them.
“It’s really important for Panhellenic to step outside of just Greek life events, because Greek life is just one aspect of members' lives,” Thompson said. “I also hope students felt more educated after walking away, and maybe even shared the story of Red My Lips with a friend.”
To learn more about C.A.R.E.S. and follow their events, visit the organization’s web page and Instagram account.