‘What Were You Wearing?’ Installation Returns to Both Campuses in April

'What Were You Wearing?' Installation Returns to Both Campuses in April

The University of Toledo's Title IX Office is set to host the return of "What Were You Wearing?"

"What Were You Wearing?" launches on Monday, April 1, with a virtual kickoff event starting at 10 a.m. Following the kickoff, the discussion unfolds throughout the week, where community members can view the installation and stories of survivors.

The installation will be on Main Campus from Monday, April 1, to Thursday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Carlson Library Room 1005, and on Health Science Campus from Monday, April 8, to Thursday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mulford Library on the fourth floor.

In its seventh year at the University, "What Were You Wearing?" helps start conversations for a culture of consent and respect and challenges the persistent and damaging myth that what a person wears is in any way responsible for sexual assault.

The exhibit seeks to dismantle the pervasive myth that survivors of sexual violence are somehow to blame based on their choice of clothing.

Through open and honest dialogue, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of sexual violence and the systemic factors that perpetuate that the survivor was "asking for it." Survivors are offered a safe space to share their experiences anonymously through the re-creation of their outfits, while participants have opportunities to raise sexual assault awareness and learn how to be agents of change.

" 'What Were You Wearing?' is an installation that has brought UToledo campuses together to reflect on the impacts of sexual violence and allow survivors to share their story," said Michelle McDevitt, assistant director of Title IX and Compliance and deputy Title IX coordinator. "As you reflect on your visit, remember that you can contribute to the Rocket mission of improving the human condition by being an agent of change and dismantling the myth that sexual violence is based on clothing choice."

This exhibit, which was created in 2013 at the University of Arkansas, has been presented on multiple campuses across the U.S. In 2018, the Title IX Graduate Assistant at the time decided to bring this exhibit to The University of Toledo campus as a new, creative way to allow individuals the opportunity to share their stories. The collection is updated yearly based on new submissions.

"Being able to see the exhibit and read the stories of survivors is a great way to step into the conversation that reminds us of the reality of other's experiences," said Katelyn Rable, Title IX Graduate Assistant. "We can challenge mistaken beliefs in our community while supporting those who have been impacted."

Community members will have an opportunity to attend educational Lunch and Learn sessions hosted by the Title IX Office, the University Counseling Center, YWCA and University Wellness. Information and registration for these sessions can be found on Invonet.

"It is an honor to oversee the seventh year of this impactful installation and to have survivors entrust us with their stories. I hope that after viewing the survivor stories, participants can also join us for the Lunch and Learns offered with our campus partners," said Brittany Kupresanin, manager of Title IX Compliance, Prevention and Assessment. "These programs are an important part of this initiative as they offer opportunities to learn about campus resources that support those impacted by sexual violence and to have critical conversations about community-level prevention."

For more information about Title IX, where to report an incident related to Title IX, or additional resources, visit the UToledo Title IX website.

Additional events planned for Sexual Assault Awareness Month can be found by visiting the Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program website.

The Title IX Office can be reached at [email protected] or 419.530.4191.