ELIZABETH SUSKI
Special to The Leader
Can you imagine minding your own business and suddenly you’re being called a slut?
Whether it’s from the way you’re dressed, or the way you’re acting, you’re called something that you’re not.
That’s what it’s like for multiple girls around the world.
That’s why Fredonia will be holding it’s very own SlutWalk this Wednesday hosted by Fredonia Feminists.
The nationwide SlutWalks started in April 2011, when a women reported a rape to the police.
The police answered her by saying that maybe it wouldn’t have happened if she “Hadn’t dressed like a slut.”
This initial walk inspired groups around the country to start their own walks to help bring attention to rape culture, sexual assault and victim blaming.
“The walks are a march or protest that [allows people] to come together to fight against victim blaming. Those who are called sluts are often reprimanded because of what they are wearing or what they did,” Opal Kelly, a junior psychology and criminology major said.
Kelly is the president of the Fredonia Feminists, an activist group on campus.
This year’s walk will be interesting, especially with all the women coming forward to the media this past year about their assaults.
The more women that come forward, the more that get blamed for their assaults.
“The SlutWalk is an opportunity for students to fight back against the daily sexual aggression on campus,” said senior accounting major Caitlyn Croft.
Croft is the treasurer of the Fredonia Feminists and also participates in many other groups on campus.
She joined the group because she was a part of activist groups in high school and she really likes the mission of the Fredonia Feminists.
The walk has inspired many women, including senior math major Megan DiLaura.
“It gives women a voice and also gives them confidence with what they wear,” said DiLaura.
Besides the SlutWalk, the Fredonia Feminists also have many other events.
One of these is called “Take Back the Night” where victims share their stories (if they feel comfortable) within the group.
The event was actually started in the sixties and seventies, and it helps to build a community.
“Your story matters, but it’s your story so you don’t have to share it if you aren’t ready,” Croft said.
The SlutWalk will be held at 6 p.m. starting in the Williams Center.
For more information on the event and other events happening throughout the semester, follow Fredonia Feminists on Facebook.