FSU Alpha Chi Omega

April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As part of our philanthropic mission, Alpha Chi Omegas are dedicated to educating ourselves on and raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and supporting survivors, not just in April but year-round. Sisters joined in this commitment by supporting national awareness campaigns, participating in educational opportunities and protesting sexual violence on Denim Day! This month we set up a table during market Wednesday’s to share #SAAM information, Promote Walk a Mile, and share resources on campus

The New Member Institute (NMI) brings together the newest members of the fraternity and sorority life community for a 3-day leadership experience. The curriculum focuses on teaching attendees about design thinking and how they can solve problems by leading with empathy. Attendees will also have time to form connections with other new members and learn more about the FSL community at FSU. AXΩ Members in attendance had an amazing time, so amazing that they only snapped a few photos!

 

Denim Day takes place on the last Wednesday of April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This day of action and awareness is an event in which people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence.The day comes following a high profile Italian rape trial where the survivor was blamed for her rape because of the type of jeans she was wearing.In protest and solidarity, individuals are encouraged to wear denim to combat the idea that rape and sexual violence are the fault or responsibility of survivors.

In 1992 in Muro Lucano, Italy 60 miles from Naples, an 18 year old girl came forward after experiencing sexual violence following her first driving lesson. The teenager recounted how the driving instructor, a 45-year-old man, drove her to an isolated area, forced her to get out of the vehicle, forcibly removed one leg of her jeans, enacted sexual violence and raped the teen, then told her that if she was to tell anyone he would kill her. Immediately following the incident the girl alerted her parents and the police.

The rapist was convicted and sentenced to a lesser charge of indecent exposure. The survivor appealed the sentence resulting in a subsequent conviction on all charges. The (then) convicted rapist appealed to the Italian Supreme Court, which overturned the conviction in a 1998 decision that indicated since the survivors jeans were very tight she must have participated in the rape. The “jeans alibi” was used to argue that since the jeans were so tight, the only way to have gotten them off was if the survivor aided her attacker in removing her jeans, thus making the act consensual. The Italian Supreme Court stated in its decision “it is a fact of common experience that it is nearly impossible to slip off tight jeans even partly without the active collaboration of the person who is wearing them.”^[8] As of 2008 the Italian Supreme Court has overturned their findings, and there is no longer a “denim” defense to the charge of rape.

The indication that women’s choice of jeans or clothing is indicative of consent sparked widespread outrage and protest starting with Italian government officials. The day after the decision, members of the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans and holding placards that read “Jeans: An Alibi for Rape”, no male members of the Italian Parliament participated. The female parliamentary members that organized the protest belonged to the Polo della Libertà, a political coalition headed by Silvio Berlusconi. Among the most vocal and active critics of the sentence were Alessandra Mussolini, Stefania Prestigiacomo and Cristina Matranga.As a sign of solidarity and support, the California Senate and Assembly followed suit ^]Inspired by these events, Patricia Giggans, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women (now Peace Over Violence), established Denim Day in Los Angeles in 1999.  It has since become an annual, international event, involving over 12 million people around the world, according to Peace Over Violence.^[ As of 2011, at least 20 U.S. states officially recognize Denim Day in April. Wearing jeans on this day has become an international symbol of protest against such attitudes about sexual assault.

Sisters of Alpha Chi Omega recently held a picnic on Landis to relax and enjoy the wonderful spring weather. They had some sweet treats and of course, flowers to celebrate spring! The event was a wonderful time to relax, and celebrate a wonderful year! We look forward to more days like this during summer!

We are proud to share the talents of Alpha Chi Omega Members Sarah, Tia, Emma, Mia, Emma, and Addison with FSU STRIKE Magazine! Each of them contributed in unique ways from model to makeup, editing to photoshoots and so much more! Be sure to checkout issue 13! Member Sarah K is on the cover, with makeup by member Emma K!

The Office of the Mental Health Council (MHC) is a Student Government bureau with the mission to empower students with mental health resources through de-stigmatization, community involvement, and advocacy. During April they held a pop up event on Landis Green. Sisters went and got permanent bracelets from one of the vendors, and some snacks while listening to some really talented musicians. It was a nice mental break from finals

The ladies of Alpha Chi Omega, led by Panhellenic Delegate Kylie and Junior Panhellenic Delegate, Ravina hosted Florida State University Panhellenic for the last meeting of the semester. It was a packed house, with standing room only as nearly 300+ Panhellenic women joined for the formal meeting. Due to the crazy turn out the chapter worked to provide light snacks for all in attendance! We look forward to hosting everyone again during the 2023-2024 Year!

Alpha Chi’s Panhellenic Delegate Kylie and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Delegate Morgan joined to host a Yoga and Acai “Wind Down with AXΩ and KKG Event”. The event was just what we needed to continue to strengthen the Panhellenic bonds of sisterhood while also giving ourselves a great mental break we each needed to end the semester strong!

This past month the ladies of Alpha Chi Omega hosted the Florida State University Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness for an optional educational event. The sex education event was approached through a lens of inclusivity and evidence-based research. The event was called condom bingo. it was an engaging way to learn about safer sex, sexuality, and sex history. The event was led by Esaunti Mcrae, below is an example flyer of similar events held on campus.

This past week the ladies of Alpha Chi Omega partnered with members of the Asian American Student Union (AASU) for a mental health – event to destress a bit before finals. Those in attendance were able to use their creative side to paint rocks that they can then keep for themselves or hide around campus. While at the event members of the AASU taught sisters how to say Love in other languages. It was a ton of fun, and even some of our House Gentleman (servers) joined in after their shift. A big thank you to the leadership of AASU and our VP Diversity and Inclusion chair Anna for organizing!