Greek Week to Support Sexual Assault Awareness
By: Madison Staley
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With reports of rape at a near all-time high in Athens, leaders of Ohio University’s Greek Week will be using the proceeds from this year’s event to support the sexual assault awareness programs: The Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence and the Survivor Advocacy Program.
The decision to support these programs comes after last year’s cancelation of Greek Week. The celebration was halted after an anti-immigration message was painted on the Graffiti Wall by students involved in Greek life. This year, members of Greek life said they wanted to change the tone of the celebration.
“We decided we wanted to give Greek Week a bigger purpose,” Katrina Sabato, the Vice President of programming for the Women’s Panhellenic Association, said.
The decision to support sexual assault awareness coincides with April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“We want people to come together for a good reason,” Sabato said.
Fundraisers will be held throughout the week at Buffalo Wild Wings and Chipotle. In addition, sorority and fraternity members will put together survivor-advocacy bags for sexual assault victims. Tables have been located throughout campus where students can pledge to bring awareness to sexual assault.
Air Bands, a dance competition at the end of the week, canned food drives, and guest speakers will be featured during the week.
Students new to Greek life were looking forward to the events, especially after the year-long hiatus.
“I think this year is going to make it more special for everybody, especially because it’s our first year being Greek Week members,” Kara Cunningham, a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, said.
And supporting a community cause this year is being seen as an added benefit.
“I think it’s great that it’s going to a cause that affects a lot of college students,” Cunningham said.
Members of Greek life said they hope to continue supporting community efforts in future years, through Greek Week proceeds.