By wearing denim today, members of HSLIC show their solidarity to stop violence against women, bring awareness to the issues of sexual assault, and support UNM as a safe campus.
Denim Day grew out of an Italian Supreme Court case and has become an international protest movement. In 1998, the Italian Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore “very tight jeans.” The court concluded that the rape must have been consensual as “it is a fact of common experience that it is nearly impossible to slip off tight jeans even partly without the active collaboration of the person who is wearing them.” Thankfully the Italian Supreme Court no longer accepts the “denim” defense.
Since 1999, wearing denim on this day has become an international symbol of protest. Learn more about the movement and get involved.