On the evening of April 8, 2026, the Women’s Concerns House and Title IX office came together in the 1867 Lounge of the Ehinger Center to host Take Back the Night, an event that raised awareness about sexual assault.
Students signed in by the front of the lounge and were invited to enter a raffle to win a variety of prizes; a water bottle, a book titled “A Feminist Theory of Violence” by Françoise Vergès, a soft blanket, “For the Love of Men” by Liz Plank, a Birdie alarm keychain and “Who’s Afraid of Gender” by Judith Butler.
As attendees were arriving, they were encouraged to write letters to sexual assault survivors through the Morris County Sexual Assault Center, letting them know they are not alone and providing other words of encouragement. The program was also tabling at the event, allowing for students to ask any questions they had. Planned Parenthood’s Chapter at Drew was present to provide information on how to register to vote and a survey about campus locations where students felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
After a good amount of people gathered, the vigil walk started. Although the specifics of the walk cannot be disclosed out of respect for sexual assault survivors, it was very impactful and will happen again next spring semester. Both organizations hope as many people as possible can attend future events to raise awareness.
The walk concluded back at the 1867 Lounge where the raffle winners were announced.
April is sexual assault awareness month, so the office of Title IX will be hosting more events to raise awareness throughout the month. The next event will be Denim Day on the EC patio from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on upcoming events, follow Title IX on Instagram @drewtitleix. For updates on events hosted by WoCo, follow their Instagram @drewu_woco.
Katie Germinder is junior majoring in environmental studies and sustainability, minoring in anthropology.
