The CLEAR CARE-nival, held in conjunction with Denim Day, offers games, giveaways and educational resources to promote a culture of respect and raise awareness about sexual assault, victim blaming and survivor support.
The Elon community is invited to join the CLEAR CARE-nival and Denim Day observance hosted by the Gender & LGBTQIA Center’s Coalition for Learning, Empowerment and Anti-Violence Resources (CLEAR) team, on Wednesday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Young Commons. The event will facilitate community education and empowerment to prevent sexual harassment and violence in all of its forms.
“Denim Day and the CLEAR CARE-nival create an opportunity for Elon University community members to come together to show support for survivors and engage in fun activities to learn how all of us can contribute to a culture of respect at Elon and beyond,” Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of the GLC, said.
During the event, participants will have the opportunity to engage in educational carnival activities, participate in yard games, enjoy snacks and receive giveaways. The event will also host tabling by campus and community partners such as the Family Abuse Services of Alamance County, CrossRoads Sexual Assault Response & Resource Center, SPARKS Peer Education, Center for Leadership, Elon University’s Title IX Office, Confidential Support & Advocacy Services, First-Generation Initiatives, Omega Phi Beta and Student Care & Outreach. Campus and community partners will provide information on response resources, volunteer opportunities, and educational concepts, including supporting survivors, challenging victim blaming, consent, bystander intervention and healthy relationships.
“Denim Day is a powerful reminder that awareness starts with conversation and courage,” Soriah Smith ’26 said. “I’m excited to see that energy brought to life through the CARE-nival event that not only educates, but also brings our community together in solidarity and joy.”
Additionally, Big Muscles Big Hearts will be among the community and campus partners in attendance, providing participants the opportunity to test their knowledge and strength on a pull-up bar for bragging rights and a tank top.
Denim Day is an international awareness day to challenge victim blaming, bring awareness to sexual assault and harassment, and help individuals discover ways to prevent sexual violence within the community. Started in 1999 by Peace Over Violence, the campaign was in response to the ruling of the Italian Supreme Court to overturn a rape conviction. The justices felt that since the survivor’s jeans were tight, she must have helped remove them, thereby providing consent. Following the reversal, the female members of the Italian Parliament wore jeans in solidarity with the survivor.
Since then, Denim Day has turned into a worldwide movement and a form of activism to raise awareness about victim blaming and the harmful myths surrounding sexual violence. During the campaign, participants make a social statement by wearing jeans in solidarity with the survivor from the 1999 case and others who have had similar experiences.
In support of survivors, the Elon community is encouraged to join others across the nation in honoring Denim Day by wearing denim or jeans to stand against victim blaming and show solidarity with survivors of sexual assault. Students, faculty, and staff can participate by wearing denim to work on April 26 and posting a photo to social media using the hashtag #ElonDenimDay2025.
For more information, visit the GLC’s Instagram @elonglc or denimdayinfo.org. Offices can request buttons and stickers from glc@elon.edu or stop by the GLC and Human Resources starting on Monday, April 28, for buttons and stickers to wear on April 30.