Students celebrate International Denim Day

By Ryan Nakamura

Staff Writer

Photos by Tiger Staff

SPHS joined activists all over the world for the first time to celebrate Denim Day on Wednesday, April 29, in support of rape and sexual assault awareness.

Denim Day can trace its roots back to 1992, when the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape allegation after the court ruled that “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them…and by removing the jeans…it was no longer rape but consensual sex”. Thenext day, in protest of the decision, the female staff of the Italian Parliament came to work in jeans.

“By wearing jeans, people are not only standing in solidarity with those affected by sexual assault, but are raising awareness on an issue that happens worldwide daily, ” Commissioner of Activities Nina Acebo said.
Since April of 1999, the Denim Day organization has reached out to millions in their “Wear Jeans With A Purpose” movement. With an estimated five million supporters, the organization hopes to continue to expand and educate millions more about sexual violence.
“Denim Day is important for our school to be a part of because this issue is something so prevalent to many people’s lives,” Acebo said. “[Although] many schools tend to focus on bullying, drugs, and alcohol, sexual assault is something that not as many people are aware of.”

To pledge your support visit DeminDayInfo.org

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