NEWS

White Ribbon Campaign to be observed with campus events

CHAPEL HILL -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s White Ribbon Campaign has planned a week of activities March 24 through 27 to bring greater attention to sexual assault prevention, diversity among men and women’s empowerment.

The campaign is a group of campus men who are committed to ending violence against women by men, as well as an internationally recognized movement.

"The UNC advocacy program serves as an excellent model for all colleges nationwide," said Scott Butler, coordinator of UNC’s human sexuality programs. "The past few years have really heightened awareness, and the campaign continues to grow with great momentum."

This year’s events are co-sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, the Center for Healthy Student Behaviors and the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, and include:

· Screening of the film "Tough Guise," 7:30 p.m. March 24, Frank Porter Graham Student Union room 2518. "Tough Guise" is the first film aimed at a general student audience to analyze masculinity as a social construction, a performance or role. A discussion will follow, and refreshments will be provided.

· Dating and communication program, 7:30 p.m. March 25, Frank Porter Graham Student Union room 3515. Sexual assault prevention educators will lead the program, which will focus on methods of sexual communication, the various aspects of sexual consent and resources available for assault survivors. Refreshments will be provided.

· "Allies at All Times," March 26, Frank Porter Graham Student Union third-floor bridge area. Campus men participating in the "Take Back the Night March" are encouraged to attend this discussion held after the march (estimated time for the discussion is 8:30 p.m.). The public is welcome to attend the march, which will begin in the Pit at 7:30 p.m. and proceed to Franklin Street.

· "Speak Out" rally, 12:20 p.m. March 27, the Pit. The rally for all 300 White Ribbon Campaign representatives is open to the public.

- 30 -

Contact: Sunil Nagaraj, (919) 914-8153 or whiteribbon@unc.edu