Walsh University is set to unveil an art installation titled “What Were You Wearing?” on March 26 at 3:30 p.m. in the Toot Global Learning Center atrium. This exhibit, organized by Walsh University Museum Studies students, aims to address victim-blaming narratives related to sexual assault and highlight that clothing is not the cause of such assaults.

The opening will include speeches from Molly MacMath, Director of COMPASS Sexual Assault Education, Prevention & Support, and Melanie Timco, Director for Prevention Education and Programming at Walsh. Attendees will have the chance to engage in discussions while enjoying light refreshments.

Running throughout April, the exhibit displays outfits worn by sexual assault survivors during their attacks along with their personal stories. It draws inspiration from Dr. Mary Simmerling's poem “What I Was Wearing” and seeks to counter the belief that clothing choices lead to sexual violence.

In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, this exhibit underscores Walsh University's dedication to human dignity and promoting safe relationships on campus. QR codes within the exhibit offer access to campus support resources, and visitors can complete a survey leading to a donation of a survivor care kit in their honor to the COMPASS Rape Crisis Center in Stark County.

Walsh University encourages students, faculty, staff, and community members to attend this event and participate in discussions about preventing sexual assault and supporting survivors. Light refreshments will be available.