On April 23, in the Student Center, Mt. SAC’s EO and Title IX departments hosted a Denim Day workshop to educate, recognize and support those who had experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment.
Denim Day is based on a sexual assault case that took place in Italy in 1992. According to weshallprevail.org, the defendant, a 45 year-old driving instructor, was charged with and found guilty of rape of an 18 year-old female driving student. Seven years later however, charges were dropped as his attorneys convinced the Italian Supreme court that the two were participating in consensual sex.
According to the defendants lawyers, the prosecutor wore jeans too tight to be removed by their client alone and needed assistance from the female student indicating that the young woman gave permission or consent, to engage in sex. Believing their statement, the Italian Supreme Court dropped the driving instructor’s charges and released him from jail.
The very next day female employees of the Italian parliament protested against the court’s ruling by wearing denim jeans as an act of solidarity and disgust on the steps of the Italian Supreme Court. This caught international attention and soon spread to the CA Senate and down to Los Angeles where feminist activist Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans, took wind of the incident and decided that everyone should wear denim jeans on that day to challenge myths and stereotypes of rape victims.
Human Resource analyst for Title IX and EO programs Tyler Gutierrez, was managing the workshop, engaging with students and other attendees. Growing up with family and friends who had experienced sexual assault, Gutierrez can deeply resonate with those who protested in Italy 33 years ago.
Before working at Mt. SAC though, Gutierrez worked at Project Sister Family Services as an advocate for survivors of sexual violence. There she matured, preparing her to work at the campus, as she filled various roles that were not for the faint of heart. “I’ve had a lot of family members or friends who’ve experienced sexual violence … so I’m not uncomfortable [being around it] and I’m ready to step in and support,” Gutierrez said.
Although Gutierrez is passionate about her work and offers aid to those in need, last September, CA mandated all colleges to require students to take Title IX courses once registered.
The goal of these classes is to educate students on subjects such as terminology, what constitutes acts of sexual violence and sexual harassment, how to report it and intervene, and the consequences of notifying law enforcement or other related parties.
Though no hard data has been published yet on the number of students that have completed the course let alone know about it, Guterrez believes that the campus and its students are becoming more familiar with the office of Title IX as these types of programs and events take place on campus.
One student in attendance that felt the power and impact of the workshop was 25 year-old journalism major Yusuf Harrison. Unlike Gutierrez, whose life had been intertwined with people who had experienced sexual violence, Harrison found a connection with the event through his faith. As a practicing Muslim, Harrison sees the sacredness in respecting the opposite sex. He believes that self-control is the focal point of masculinity and helps him to fight the urges that all men face.
One activity that distinguished Denim Day is writing messages of support and encouragement on jeans to those who had experienced sexual violence. One of Harrison’s messages to those in their darkest and most vulnerable moments was from the Quran 94:5 which states, “With hardship will be ease.” Harrison explained that when someone experiences hardship or difficulty, God will present you a pathway to healing. His last words for his fellow students were to grow in character, continue working hard at school and associate yourself with good people.
People of good character are needed these days which is why Title IX student ambassador Latasha Buie is just the person. A sociology major focusing on social justice, Buie also serves as a restorative justice student ambassador and has always seen herself as an advocate for good and change. “It was just [in] what form I was going to be an advocate. What way will I serve the students,” Buie said.
One key focus as a student ambassador is to get the word out to other students on required Title IX courses. With nearly 60,000 registered students, ensuring that they all complete their online training is no easy task.
Buie’s view on the workshop was similar to Harrison’s yet, consent from the other person involved was her main message to the campus. Consent is a sign of respect, she said. It doesn’t matter if you know the person or just meet them or if it’s even your spouse.
Today marks the last day of sexual assault month and Gutierrez wants students to know that the Title IX members are here for them and willing to give there support to anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or knows someone who is.
For further information or resources visit Title IX.
