On Thursday, Oct. 25, Longwood University will host the campus’ first ever SlutWalk. While the use of the word “slut” may imply a negative message, it is part of a campaign striving to empower sexual assault victims and women in general.
The SlutWalk is an international movement that began in Canada last year amid controversy surrounding the remarks of Toronto Police Service’s Const. Michael Sanguinetti.
According to The Toronto Star, Sanguinetti told attendees of a York University state forum, “I’ve been told I’m not supposed to say this; however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”
After hearing about Sanguinetti’s remarks, Canadian women Sonya Barmett and Heather Jarvis held the first SlutWalk in Toronto. More than 3,000 people attended the April 2011 event, sparking SlutWalks all over the world.
The goal of the SlutWalk is to encourage safe and healthy relationships and discourage any excuse for rape and using the word “slut” derogatively toward women. At these marches, participants mean to take back the word slut and rid it of negative connotations. The student health and wellness center is bringing the first ever slutwalk to Longwood University this year to support the Red Flag Campaign, which has occurred annually on Longwood’s campus for several years.
According to Sasha Trent, wellness coordinator at the Student Health & Wellness Center, the center exists for many reasons, one being to create or bring programs to Longwood’s campus concerning sexual misconduct, education and prevention.
Trent also had some goals of her own she hopes to meet with the walk. She wants the SlutWalk to “promote the prevention of sexual misconduct on our very own campus, educate the campus community on ways to report and heal from sexual misconduct and show that we are a caring and supportive community.”
Trent also stated that, “it is important to understand that we are all affected by sexual misconduct. Events like the SlutWalk and Red Flag Campaign are meant to empower and educate individuals. “
Trent encouraged anyone looking for more information about the Red Flag
Campaign to visit www. theredflagcampaign.org .
At 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Student Health & Wellness Center invites all to come out as they “walk, roll and rally in support of healthy relationships.” Participants are asked to meet behind the Lankford Student Union at the Free Speech Zone where they can make signs and hear from faculty about the relevancy and the effects of victim blaming.
Following the speeches, participants of the SlutWalk will begin the half-mile march. It has become customary in many of the marches that have taken place across the nation that participants of the SlutWalks will dress audaciously, or like a “slut” to further back their statements being made.
The walk will last until 5 p.m. and will be moved inside of the Lankford Student Union Ballroom in case of rain. The Student Health & Wellness Center, Longwood University Peer Health Educators and Women’s & Gender Studies support the Red Flag Campaign and SlutWalk events. To learn more about health and relationships visit longwood. edu/health. To contact the Student Health & Wellness Center, simply walk in the center or call 434-395-2509.
