Students at Wichita State University are holding an event tonight to bring attention to sexual assault and gender violence.
It’s estimated that one in four college women will be the victim of rape during their academic careers. And members of Wichita State’s Student Activities Board and the Inter-Fraternity Council want to bring attention to that problem.
The groups are holding a Walk-A-Mile event on campus. In previous years, the event was called Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, but organizers say sexual assault and violence can happen to anyone. The event will keep the tradition of fraternity members dawning high heels and taking a mile lap around campus.
Lyston Skerritt, the assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Wichita State, says fraternities have always been supportive of campus safety.
“WSU’s fraternities have always been big on women’s rights and sexual assault awareness," Skerritt says. "For them, this is a continued tradition, versus a responsive action.”
Skerritt says Wichita State fraternities were also involved in the Take Back the Night event last year, which promoted sexual assault awareness after a woman was raped and murdered in nearby Fairmount Park.
Tonight’s event will include a discussion, speakers and a BBQ.
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