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When one first thinks of Women’s and Gender Studies, visions of tailgating are probably the last to cross one’s mind.
However, the University of Northern Iowa’s Women’s and Gender Studies program is hosting a “Safe Date Tailgate” from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. before the homecoming game on the corner of the North WRC parking lot, complete with free food and drinks.
A group of faculty, students and athletes will also be walking in the parade passing out information on domestic abuse and koozies outlining what a safe date is.
“The best part of the tailgate and the parade is that it will be a time for community agencies, on-campus programs and athletes to hang out and have fun while learning about safe dates,” said Phyllis Baker, professor and director of Women’s and Gender Studies.
The idea for the tailgate started when Baker was approached by a student from the Presbyterian student group and the Unitarian Universalist Church with a request for a social action project regarding domestic abuse.
“It’s (the tailgate) to raise awareness about safe dating in a way that didn’t show statistics, but a positive presentation of what safe dating is,” said Rachel Williams, programming assistant to Women’s and Gender Studies.
“Plus, October is domestic abuse awareness month.”
The Safe Date Tailgate will also include raffles for giveaways and gift certificates.
“This is an important issue that people take for granted, but we still need to raise awareness,” Williams said.
The Women’s and Gender Studies program is hoping to make this an annual event that gains popularity and reaches more people each year.
The tailgate is a result of several months of planning and preparation.
“We hope that students will become more familiar and comfortable with the
Women’s and Gender Studies program, that they become more aware of the meanings and types of violence on campus and what a safe date is,” Baker said.
The purple and gold koozie reads “A Safe Date, or A Great Date Includes: Respect, Clear Communication, Safety And Shared Decision-making.”
According to Kate McHugh, a student intern for the project, this event is an attempt to shed a different light on the Women’s and Gender Studies program in a fun and informative fashion.
“We want to bring people together we want it to be fun, light and positive,” McHugh said.
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