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School Board Approves Denim Day Resolution
Supports Activities That Promote Education and Prevent Sexual Assault
LOS ANGELES (April 14, 2021) – The Board of Education unanimously approved today a resolution that recognizes Denim Day on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Organized by the group Peace Over Violence, the annual rape education campaign promotes awareness with activities, and by encouraging people around the world to wear jeans.
Board Member Mónica García sponsored this resolution, “Standing Against Sexual Violence and Commemorating Denim Day,” which was co-sponsored by the remaining board members.
“Violence has no place in our schools and in our world and too many times, we have seen it affect our already most vulnerable communities,” Board Member García said. “We will continue to fight and be a voice against abuse and violence toward women until it is stopped. We honor and remember the lives that were taken too soon and the lives of every survivor today. We thank all allies and advocates and commit to speak out against these injustices.”
“Denim Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on harmful attitudes and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “I’m hopeful this resolution will further play a role in empowering our students and families to challenge incidents of victim blaming and come together in support of sexual assault survivors.”
Denim Day is a show of support for an 18-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted in Italy in 1992. That country’s Supreme Court ruled the sex act had been consensual and overturned the conviction of her rapist because she followed her assailant’s order to help him remove her tight jeans.
“On Denim Day, we publicly demonstrate our zero tolerance for any sexual assault,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “And our unwavering support for survivors.”
“Today, Los Angeles Unified recommits its support to ending sexual violence against women.” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “With over 48 percent of female students in Los Angeles Unified, we must expose the behaviors, attitudes and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and continue to educate and raise awareness so our young girls and others can live and work in safer communities.”
“On Denim Day, we show our unified support for survivors of sexual assault and join efforts to eliminate victim blaming, which remains a prevalent problem in our national culture, our communities, and perhaps worst of all, our country’s laws,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “This Board stands with survivors and commits to educating our school communities on the prevention of sexual assault and violence.
“All people—including students – deserve the opportunity to go about their lives, and to school, without worry of sexual assault or misconduct,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “Today I wear denim to support sexual violence prevention and stand with survivors, to let them know that are not being overlooked or unheard. I will continue to work with schools, victim's rights groups, and other organizations to take meaningful action to protect our students.”
“As a District, we are responsible for ensuring all students have a safe learning environment and are prepared to contribute to society in safe and meaningful ways,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “I’m proud to support the commemoration of Denim Day, stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault, and encourage our school communities to participate in education programs that can reduce and prevent the prevalence of sexual violence and harassment in our communities.”