Though COVID-19 caused a brief hiatus, this past week, Mar. 28 through Apr. 1, Take Back the Night events returned to campus to continue our participation in and spread further awareness of the worldwide movement. 

This year’s Take Back the Night leadership team provided lots of information on the movement and its mission. In an email, they say, “Take Back the Night is a long-standing international effort whose mission is to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence.” EMU has actively stood alongside the Take Back the Night mission since 1998, holding annual events to allow students to share their thoughts and experiences. 

This year, a full week of events were held. Green Dot Training was held on Tuesday, which taught participants how they, as bystanders, can intervene when harmful situations are unfolding. On Wednesday, an EMU version of the viral Jubilee Spectrum Game, appropriately titled EMUbilee, gave students a space to voice their opinions about various sexual assault beliefs. To finish off a week of emotional and intense conversations, a small, relaxing gathering was held on Thomas Plaza.

Further noted in the Take Back the Night leadership team email, Take Back the Night has become especially recognized at colleges and universities. “College campuses everywhere are connected through widespread annual participation, all hoping to bring awareness to sexual violence and provide support for victims.” 

Sophomore Ashley Mellinger was heavily involved with planning and executing the various events throughout the week. As a member of the Take Back the Night planning committee, CAC, Peer Educators, and EMSWA, she gave her thoughts on why it’s important that EMU and other colleges take part in Take Back the Night.

“I think it’s important that every college participates in Take Back the Night, because college age students are one of the most vulnerable groups of people to sexual assault. It’s rampant on college campuses. It’s not just an EMU issue, it’s a college issue.” 

EMU’s active participation in the movement is a big step in ensuring the student body feels safe and heard. Having safe spaces to talk, holding relaxing events, and providing bystander training throughout Take Back the Night week played a huge part in fulfilling these needs.