Take Back the Night march to support survivors of sexual violence

Precious Williams, Contributing Writer

Marchers and organizers of Take Back the Night aim to show support for survivors of sexual violence and make their voices heard at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday starting at the Doudna Steps.

Alana Reinhardt, the president of EIU FEM and a junior public relations major, said this march allows survivors of sexual violence and allies to join together and reclaim the campus.

More than 30 people are expected to be in attendance at Take Back the Night.

Reinhardt said this march is important to the community because it opens up a safe place for survivors of sexual violence.

“Survivors deserve the right to be heard and exist on Eastern’s campus without worry of being at risk of further violence,” Reinhardt said.

Participants will begin the march by making posters and chalking the Doudna steps with sex-positive messages.

Following that, a representative from EIU FEM and Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Services will give speeches about the history of Take Back the Night. They will also talk about resources SACIS provides to the local Charleston area.

“This support will help people of this community who are affected by gendered violence understand that there are people here who see them and believe them even so many others won’t,” Reinhardt said.

Precious Williams can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].