Take Back The Night Rally and March
Thursday, September 19 at 8:00 pm
E.J. Iddings Agricultural Science building, room 106
Every fall, in observance of national Domestic Violence Prevention Month and LGBTQ History Month, the University of Idaho hosts its annual awareness-raising Take Back the Night event. Take Back the Night provides members of the campus and local community with an opportunity to take a stand, break the silence, and reclaim the night in protest of all forms of violence and assault.
History of the event
The idea for Take Back the Night originated at the International Tribunal on Crimes against Women in March 1976 in Brussels, Belgium. 2,000 women representing 40 different countries attended the event, and organized a candlelight procession through the streets of Brussels, to protest sexual assault and domestic violence. Since then, the movement has spread across the world, and Take Back the Night has become internationally known as a visible, community-based way to take a stand against sexual violence and other forms of discriminatory violence. In 2001, the international headquarters and charitable non-profit organization for Take Back the Night was founded to support locally-organized, creative events to raise awareness about and incite action towards ending sexual violence. A source of empowerment for survivors and education for millions, these events happen in hundreds of schools and communities all across the country each year. From marches at dusk, rallies and survivor speak-outs, to quiet candlelit vigils, these events have paved the way from victim to survivor for thousands of people.
History of Take Back the Night at the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho has hosted a Take Back the Night event each year for many years, to educate and empower students, staff, faculty and community members around critical issues, not only of sexual violence, but of the violence committed against members of marginalized and underrepresented populations. Take Back the Night sends a critical, united message that we as a community do not condone this type of violence on our campus or in our town. Take Back the Night sends the message that we will not tolerate, will not accept, will not stand for any type of violence against our community, no matter to whom it is directed—women, men, LGBTQ individuals, members of our multicultural community, or any other group. Take Back the Night is an important program among the University of Idaho’s anti-violence campus initiatives, showing strong institutional support of those who have survived violence in their lives, and condemnation against further acts of violence. Take Back the Night is part of a united voice that we as a community raise in protest against acts of violence on our campus, and in our society. Join us—and join the movement!
Structure of event
The program will feature an opening rally with a special guest speaker (TBA). Following the educational session, there will be a candlelit march around campus. At the conclusion of the march, participants are invited to gather back at the starting point for complimentary refreshments and a Speak-Out/Open Mic. The event is free and open to all, and local community members are warmly invited to attend. The first 100 attendees receive a free T-shirt, and the student organization or living group that brings the most attendees will win a FREE bagel party from Einstein Bros Bagels!
Collaborators
Take Back The Night is sponsored by the Women’s Center; Vandal Health Education; Greek Life; University Housing; U-Idaho Dept, of Public Safety; Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest; Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, and Inland Oasis, as well as the campus student organizations UI VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood and Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Additional support has been provided by U-Idaho Facilities; the Residence Hall Association (RHA); The Argonaut; and Campus Dining and Einstein Bros Bagels.
For more information, or if you would like to co-sponsor this event, please contact the Women’s Center at (208) 885-2777 or email.