The University of Toledo’s Title IX Office is set to host the eighth annual installation of “What Were You Wearing,” opening with a virtual kickoff event on Monday, March 31, beginning at 10 a.m. After the kickoff, the display will be available to campus community members.
This installation will be on Main Campus from Monday to Thursday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Carlson Library Room 1005 and on Health Science Campus from Monday, April 7, to Thursday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Mulford Library on the fourth floor.
“What You Were Wearing” will be on Main Campus from March 31 through April 3 in Carlson Library Room 1005 and on Health Science Campus from April 7 through April 10 in Mulford Library on the fourth floor.
Designed to start conversations about preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors, “What Were You Wearing” challenges the damaging myth that survivors of sexual assault are somehow to blame for the incident because of the clothes they were wearing. This exhibit serves as a safe space for survivors to anonymously share their experiences, pairing each story with a re-creation of their outfit.
“April is sexual assault awareness month and this marks the 8th year UToledo will be hosting ‘What Were You Wearing’ on its Main and Health Science campuses,” said Dr. Lee Johnson, executive vice president for Finance and Administration and CFO. “I congratulate Michelle McDevitt, director of Title IX and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, and her team for sponsoring this program and UToledo’s commitment to supporting and promoting a safer community.”
Since its creation at the University of Arkansas in 2013, “What Were You Wearing” has been installed at universities across the U.S. and internationally. In 2018, the Title IX Graduate Assistant decided to present this exhibit at The University of Toledo. The collection of stories displayed is updated each year as new submissions are received.
Participation in this installation gives community members the opportunity to raise awareness about sexual assault and learn how to advocate for change.
“We hope you will be able to take some time to visit as we share the installation on both campuses, allowing all Rockets to visit the impactful exhibit,” said Michelle McDevitt, director Title IX and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator. “We invite the community to reflect on the survivor’s story, the impacts and dismantling myths.”
Additional educational programming also will be held throughout April in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Hosted by the Title IX Office, “What Were You Wearing” workshops will include a STAR Training with University Counseling Center, presentations from UTMC Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and a session of the Rocket Upstanders: Media, Myths and Rape Culture program. More information about these workshops can be found on the Title IX Office Invonet page.
“This installation is an eye-opening reality that truly shows just how many people are impacted and have experienced sexual assault,” said Rachel Kellett, Title IX graduate assistant. “It is important that we create a culture on campus that recognizes there is no excuse for sexual assault.”
The University of Toledo Title IX Office ensures compliance with federal law, and may investigate reports of sexual misconduct, implements supportive measures when necessary and works to remedy the effects of sexual misconduct. For more information on educational programming, resources or how to report an incident, stop by the Title IX Office in Synder Memorial Room 1120, call 419.530.4191 or visit the UToledo Title IX website.
