“I think Denim Day is an event that should have more awareness than what it has today. I bet most people don’t even know what that day is or what it represents,” said Dani Struble, a Brookdale student, “I wish it was exposed to better coverage or at least highlighted enough for people to understand its importance.”

Denim Day, April 30, is an annual global recognition to show support for sexual assault survivors and victims. Participants speak with their clothing choice of denim to show solidarity to stand up against sexual violence.

This year Brookdale President David Stout encouraged Brookdalians, students and staff, to participate.

“That’s why I wore denim today,” said Amanda Moreira, a Brookdale student. “It honestly saddens me that individuals and the government itself, doesn’t see the importance of what Denim Day means to women. Nobody should ever be attacked on the basis of their clothing nor does that make them deserving of the assault.

“It’s disgusting and hearing the story just saddens me even further,” Moreira said. “Even though some may not understand the importance of Denim Day or realize why they are wearing it, it made me happy to see people at least have some on.”

Denim Day began in response to an Italian Supreme Court decision in 1999. The court ruled that a teenage girl’s rape was induced by the fact that she had wore tight-fitting jeans. Therefore, the Supreme Court ruled that the driving instructor who assaulted her could not help himself when it came to physically attacking and assaulting her. The conviction of the instructor was eventually thrown out.

The overturned ruling was controversial and made headlines globally, prompting women worldwide to stand in solidarity against this Supreme Court ruling. Thus, women began to wear jeans more frequently to signify that appearance and clothing should not be the basis of any sexual assault or violence against them.

Denim Day is specifically highlighted in April because April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States.