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St. Cloud State University
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Clothesline wakes, educates SCSU
By Julie Cronk
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2003
Media Credit: Jason Risberg
Campus Advocates Against Sexual Assault sponsored �The Clothesline Project,� a visual display in which survivors of sexual assault, or those close to survivors, can write their experiences or thoughts on sexual assault. April is sexual assault awareness month and the project runs through Friday in the entrance to Atwood.
Red, white, yellow, blue and purple; these are just some of the colors of T-shirts that are hanging up in Atwood Memorial Center.
These shirts are not merely up for decoration; rather they tell students and the community an important message. They tell stories from numerous men and women who have been or know someone that has been assaulted.
The clothesline project is there to not only educate and document the experiences, but also to raise awareness about violence against women in the community. The T-shirts were created by survivors, friends or family members and give a sense of unity to those that have been assaulted.
"This project gives a very good visual representation of the reality," said Renee Ormson, SCSU student and CAASA member.
This project was first started back in 1991 in Massachusetts and was designed to honor the victims and survivors of the war against women.
T-shirts were hung on a clothesline in public places to show that the silence of battering, rape and child abuse will be kept quiet no more.
The St. Cloud Area Clothesline Project was started in 1995 through SCSU students and people from the community. In 1997, the organization CAASA (Campus Advocates Against Sexual Assault) took over the coordination of the project. This SCSU organization now puts the clothesline project in Atwood Memorial Center every year during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Also, the shirts that are seen in Atwood are only a mere few of what will be displayed May 2 in Barden Park. On that day, there will be the "Take Back The Night March and Rally" where people from the community will gather to express their outrage against violence towards women.
"I find this project very healing towards myself," said Tracey White, CAASA member, "the message I would like to send is to let these assaulted people know they are not alone."
The shirts will be displayed in Atwood until Friday. Many people are stopping by to check out some of the horrible stories and are becoming more aware. There are also many more activities coming up to help promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There will be a speaker , open mic night and a festival. All students are encouraged to attend and help others become more aware.
"I just want these assaulted women to find a voice in society and to let people know that it is wrong," said Keith Piskur, CAASA member.
The messages that are written on each of the shirts not only tell shocking stories, but also give victims a chance to release their anger, hate or sadness. Anyone that has been a survivor of violence, whether it be a victim or friend, can make the T-shirts. All students and faculty are encouraged to check out the display and realize the importance of the demonstration.
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