March 21 proved to be a very fashionable night on South’s campus with the Title IX Office’s “Clothes are Not Consent” fashion show! A handful of models strutted on the stage in order to bring awareness to sexual violence. 

The event began with a welcome from the Title IX Office, followed by remarks from Penelope House, a partner for the event. Penelope House provides victims of domestic abuse safety, protection and support through the provision of shelter, advocacy and community education. 

There were many partners for the event, with each having their own informational table to the side of the runway. One partner was Prism United, a southwestern Ala. group dedicated to responding to the comprehensive needs of LGBTQ+ youth. There were also a few partners from South Alabama, including South’s HEART Project, the Student Health Center and USA Fashion Club. 

See also: The Heart Project makes its mark on south

The fashion show consisted not only of fierce runway walks, but also of powerful demonstrations to bring awareness to the cause. Each outfit was followed by the assertion that they did not mean consent to sexual activity. There were also two video presentations after. The first was a youtube video titled “What were you wearing? A project to end victim-blaming” by 360 Communities. The second video, which was made by the Title IX office using the models from the fashion show, focused on victim blaming. 

The intermission gave guests the opportunity to grab a plate of refreshments from the catering tables supplied by Aramark. They could also peruse and view polaroids of a photoshoot featuring the fashion models, or visit the partner booths where they could grab free goodies and informational pamphlets. 

After intermission, the models delivered facts about consent in a potent display of statistics. The last big component of the event was keynote speaker Joshua Jones. An alumnus of South Alabama, he is now the Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator for the City of Mobile. The event closed with final remarks from the Title IX office, thanking everyone for their support. The hard work and preparation from everyone involved was noticeably appreciated.

The Title IX office is a vital part of South’s community. Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” The office is essential to enforcing this amendment, creating a safer environment by fighting discrimination and misconduct. To support Title IX and their events, keep up with them on their instagram page @usa_titleix. Both their instagram and their page on the USA website contains resources for USA community members.