Approximately 150 students and administrators gathered at numerous locations across campus last evening to participate in "Take Back the Night," a worldwide protest against violence and rape towards women.
The evenings' events began with several speeches about sexual abuse in front of Webster Hall and concluded with a 15-minute march around campus and candlelight vigil on the Green.
"This is a big public statement to the campus and the community," said Liza Veto, acting coordinator of the Sexual Assault Awareness Program. "It is important for survivors because it is empowering and supportive, and it makes the public more aware of rape."
The evening's events began with a speech from Philosophy Professor Susan Brison.
Brison expressed anger over the fact that events like Take Back the Night are necessary.
"I'm really angry that we have to be here," Brison said. "We must refuse to accept the view that campus rape is a myth and that feminists invented this as a plot."
Brison also spoke of rape as an opportunity for survivors to create new and healthier lives.
"Your life has been shattered, and you are forced to piece it back together," she said. "You can take the shards and decide which ones you want to keep and which ones you want to get rid of."
"It is important to remember that we're still alive and that we're not here simply to take back the night, but to reclaim our right to be in this world," Brison said.
Brison's speech was followed by a short performance by the Untamed Shrews.
Chris Chambers, an area director, spoke next about the need for the community to take actions to prevent rape on campus.
"This campus acts out and perpetuates violence against women, ranging from things as seemingly innocuous as a joke to lethal forms of abuse," Chambers said. "We need to stop acting like it's not our problem."
Chambers also said the campus cannot change the situation by not doing anything.
"We need to teach men and boys how to respect women," he said. "I challenge those of you who hear people laugh at others' sexist jokes to speak out and tell them that behavior is unacceptable."
Men and women alike joined in a campus-wide march. During the march, a whistle was blown every three minutes to remind people of the frequency of rape within the United States. The group's chants included "Dartmouth unite -- take back the night."
Many participants in the march carried signs provided by the Women's Resource Center. One man carried a sign that read, "I am an angry white male feminist."
"The number of men there was wonderful to see," said Miranda Johnson '97, a sexual abuse peer advisor. "The support and emotions that they expressed were very powerful."
The march was followed by a candlelight vigil on the Green, where individuals read poetry and shared their thoughts and stories.
"I thought this was an amazingly great opportunity for individuals to support and educate one another," said Giavanna Munafo, director of the Women's Resource Center. "There were really two components to the evening, one that was angry and calling the subject to attention, and another that was quieter and gave support to survivors. I'm glad we were able to provide different opportunities for people."
"After many years of attending Take Back the Night, I was, as always, moved and touched by everybody who came out," said Cassie Ehrenberg '96, an intern for the SAAP. "I only wish that the entire campus could have been there."
