MCC student group to host Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The Student Peace Action Network at McHenry County College will host several events throughout April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 2-25.
The month begins with a self-defense class April 2 and concludes with the ninth annual "Take Back the Night," a domestic violence and sexual violence awareness event on April 25.
• On April 2, a self-defense class will feature part demonstration and part participation from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Scot Room in B177. Presented by Harriet Johnson, criminal justice instructor who has a second-degree black belt in hapkido and a first-degree black belt in tae kwon do. Participants should dress comfortably. Targeted for MCC students only.
• On April 3, C.L. Lindsay, author of "The College Student's Guide to the Law" and founder of the Coalition for Student & Academic Rights (CO-STAR), will talk about "Sex and the Law" from noon to 1 p.m. in the Luecht Conference Center. In his powerful presentation, Lindsay will share information on conducting and protecting yourself in sexual situations. This presentation covers a range of topics including (but not limited to) sexting, consent, voyeurism, sexual assault, and date rape drugs. Learn how the law affects and protects you on and off campus.
• On April 9, Liv Harmening of the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault will moderate a discussion on "In the NO" from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Scot Room. Targeted for MCC students only.
• On April 11, The Clothesline Project exhibit will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room B166-167. Targeted for MCC students only.
• On April 18, a self-defense program presented by Team Curran and Constrictor MMA will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Scot Room. Targeted for MCC students only.
The month concludes on April 25 with "Take Back the Night" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Luecht Conference Center. The event will feature guest speakers Danielle Burley of Turning Point, Liv Harmening of Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault, and Katie Gaughan-Palombi J.D. of Domestic Violence Legal Clinic.
Other highlights of the event include a march outside around the campus and art and music presentations. The event will culminate at a fire pit on the campus patio, where visitors are invited to write something they would like closure on and then throw into the fire.
In addition, throughout the Month of April, a #ME TOO on the wall outside of Room B166 will be on display and anyone is invited to share their story or write an affirmation. Awareness ribbons and bracelets will be distributed throughout the month.
The events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. The college is at 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake. For more information, contact Pat Gaughan at pgaughan@mchenry.edu.