On Friday, September 23, members of Ball State University’s group Feminists for Action participated in their annual SlutWalk across campus. The SlutWalk is an international protest movement fighting against victim blaming in sexual assault cases.
Participants marched from the Quad to the Bell Tower and back, carrying signs with phrases like “My body, my rules” and wearing as little or as much clothing as they want.
This year, Feminists for Action paired with Alliance for Disability Awareness to host their annual event. They also hosted several other events in the week leading up to the walk, including a picnic and program about sexual assault and its aftermath.
On Thursday, September 22, Feminists for Action also held a viewing of “The Hunting Ground," an independent film that focuses on sexual assault on college campuses. Friday's SlutWalk, however, was the main event.
As the protest crossed the Scramble Light, students on the opposite corner attempted to drown out a visiting preacher by singing. The preacher spent the whole day leading up to the SlutWalk telling students that they would be going to hell for their assumed sins. Chants of “Hey hey, ho ho, victim blaming has got to go," overpowered his scolding.
Under the shadow of the Bell Tower, students took turns sharing survivor stories and other encouraging words through a megaphone. Lizzie Ford, president of Ball State’s Alliance for Disability Awareness, participated in the SlutWalk.
“People don’t realize that a lot of people with disabilities fall victim to sexual assault,” Ford said.
Sexual assault is a major issue on college campuses everywhere, and anyone can become a victim. The issue of body shaming addressed by the SlutWalk also struck a strong chord with Ford.
SlutWalk began in Toronto in 2011 after Canadian Police Constable Michael Sanguinetti reportedly told a group of students during a lecture that “Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized." Now, the movement has spread all over the world and protests happen in many cities and college campuses.
Thousands of people who have taken part in these protests are fighting against the stigma that a woman should be blamed for her own rape or sexual assault because of the clothing they wear. SlutWalk encourages anyone to participate and to embrace their sexuality without fear of being “slutshamed” or body shamed. Feminists for Action plan to continue hosting the SlutWalk for years to come and expand their message for freedom of sexuality and body positivity.
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