Denim Day History:
In 1992, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the justices felt that because the 18-year-old victim was wearing tight jeans the day of the attack, she must have helped her attacker remove them, thereby implying consent. Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court on the day after the ruling. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of the need for prevention and education about sexual violence.
Denim Day is honored annually around the world and at Clarkson. The day itself is a time for activities dispelling misconceptions as well as educating people about sexual violence and its prevention. In 2023, Denim Day is recognized on April 26th.
Request for Student Input:
The Denim Day planning committee is looking for student input! We want to hear your thoughts on how we’ve supported the campaign in the past and ideas on what we could do in the future. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief, anonymous survey.
Consider Joining the Cause! The committee is also looking for students who wish to join the planning committee. If you’re interested, please indicate that in the appropriate section of the survey above. If you do not wish to complete the survey but are interested in joining the planning committee, contact Jen Smith at jlsmith@clarkson.edu.
Stay tuned for more information regarding Denim Day 2023 at Clarkson!
