What you can do now to spread the word on danger of campus assaults

It’s time for some of our children and grandchildren to go back to school. Some are going to college, and that can be a very dangerous place for undergraduates. Studies have shown one in five college women and 5% of men have been sexually assaulted (note 1 and note 2). This problem is very real and close to home. On July 21, three N.C. State University (NSCU) students reported being sexually assaulted during a campus party. Raleigh police took this seriously and assigned a team of detectives assigned to the case, but more than 2 weeks later, there have not been any arrests (note 3). One way to protect undergraduates is by warning them and giving them guidance.

To help inform the community and help undergraduates know to protect themselves, Raleigh NOW held a screening of “The Hunting Ground” documentary at NCSU in Raleigh, cosponsored by WomenNC and NCSU’s GLBT Center. One of the main subjects of the film, UNC-CH graduate Annie Clark, led the post-film discussion. Annie Clark survived her assault, and refused to be ignored. She went on to co-found her own organization to combat campus rape, End Rape On Campus. The documentary presents the issue very well, and Annie Clark and her continuing fight to help others and improve the situation was inspiring.

Annie Clark running Q&A at screening of The Hunting Ground, on 8/8/17. Photo Credit: Catherine Evangelista

Hunting Ground Event Discussion led by Annie Clark

The Hunting Ground documentary screening on Aug 8, 2017, will be followed by discussion led by one of the main subjects in the film, Annie Clark.

For more information on the film and event see “Learn about Campus Danger for Women, 8/8/17 at NCSU“. The facebook event is at https://www.facebook.com/events/435781543487421/

ANNIE E. CLARK (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a cofounder of End Rape On Campus, and a lead complainant in the Title IX and Clery complaints against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Political Science. She has a certificate in business from Kenan Flagler Business School, and is a former administrator at the University of Oregon. She has presented her work to the United Nations Commission on The Status of Women and is a contributing writer to the Huffington Post, MSNBC, and The Chronicle Vitae. After directly working with New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, she helped write the Bi-Partisan Campus Safety and Accountability Act. She has worked on numerous state level education laws, and in 2013 was listed alongside former President Barack Obama as one of the most influential forces in higher education.

Clark is a co-author of the book, We Believe You, a collection of 36 stories of campus sexual assault. Copies of her book, “We Believe You: Survivors of Campus Sexual Assault Speak Out” will be sold (cash only)

Learn about Campus Danger for Women, 8/8/17 at NCSU

I talked to a policeman at a campus visit to UNC-Charlotte in July. He was proud of talking a young woman OUT OF pressing charges of sexual assault. He said the police spoke with both students to reinforce that the consequences for the undergraduate and alleged attacker are dire. The woman decided she wasn’t absolutely sure anymore. The policeman was also proud of few if any cases prosecuted – not the same as assaults not happening. I was appalled. These sexual assaults are happening whether or not they are prosecuted.

Join us to screen and discuss “The Hunting Ground” at NC State University on August 8th. Learn what the policeman didn’t understand about sexual assaults on campus. Learn how to prepare yourself/your child/your niece/your grandchild. 

Also consider a self defense class for you and yours. I am.

Examining issue of mass incarceration in Fayetteville, “13th”

13^th Movie and Discussion, by Fayetteville NOW President Sharon Johnson

Fayetteville NOW, continuing its efforts to improve race relations through constructive dialogue, sponsored a showing of the documentary, 13^th, on Monday, June 19, 2017.  Outstanding turnout at an event with many co-sponsors.

This documentary examines the disproportionate number of African-Americans incarcerated in the U.S. The film included interviews with prominent civil-rights activists and politicians, and examines the nation’s legacy of racism via such events as the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and the passage of Jim Crow laws in the South.

Upcoming events in February and March 2017

NC NOW works with many other groups to make events happen.

With this administration in office, many protests are occurring spontaneously, and we try to post those on the NC NOW facebook page. Luckily, some marches, rallies and other events are planned in advance with enough time for us to post on our website! Here are some happening in February and March of 2017. 

Photo Credit: Kevin A. Smith

Two women’s events coming up in December in the Triangle

December is busy with some celebrating and some reminiscing. Indoor event in Raleigh on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. Outdoor holiday parade and march in Durham on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Join Raleigh NOW on Tuesday, Dec. 6, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NOW with the documentary “She’s beautiful when she’s angry,” looking at why NOW was founded. Think about how far we’ve come. On the flip side, I am sure we’ll want to discuss how far we still need to go, as shown with the presidential campaigning and election.

Upcoming Raleigh NOW Events, Fall 2016-Winter 2017

December 6, 2016 – screening “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” and party. 
“A documentary that resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971.” In celebration of the 50th anniversary of NOW, 1966-2016!
Time: 7:30pm
Place: 2912 Highwoods Blvd, Raleigh NC
Trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sUsLn7v_wI

January 2016 – collect names and donations for the pro choice signature ad running in the Indy on Wednesday, January 25, 2016 in commemoration of the 44th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that gave women the right to control their own bodies. The Roe anniversary is January 22, 2017.

February 7, 2017 – Roe Event, most likely on the Hyde Amendment, 40th anniversary this year (Sept 30, 2016). Such a travesty. Read about it at “The Hyde Amendment Turns 40 – Let’s End It NOW!” at https://northcarolinanow.wordpress.com/2016/09/22/the-hyde-amendment-turns-40-lets-end-it-now/. 

March 7, 2017 – Equal Means Equal, on women’s history and value of ERA –
Time: 7:30pm
Place: tbd 
Trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK9AV6Uffro

Finally women are credited for being angry about injustice!

Finally it seems women are credited for being angry about injustice, rather than vilified for it.

Cases dramatized in a new and better light: Marcia Clark’s role as lead prosecutor in 1995 O.J. Simpson case and Anita Hill testifying about sexual harassment by Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas.

“Anita Hill, a law professor once discredited for testifying against then-Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas, has made a comeback as a fearless example of truth and conviction in HBO’s “Confirmation” starring Kerry Washington.”

When Marcia Clark was interviewed by Larry King about “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” she said, “They got the big issue so right that it’s painful to watch.”

Women’s Equality Day screening of ‘Equal Means Equal’ in NC – 2016

Very excited about the Women’s Equality Day screening of ‘Equal Means Equal’ in NC. Friday, Aug 26, at 4pm, in Manteo!

This is a must-see! Pulls you in right away. Do you remember these terrible quotes?  “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down!” Recent past, people. See the trailer here! Print your own copies or jump to links at Equal_Means_Equal_Announcment_Manteo_LVW_ERA_Links_v2_2016.

Free early screening of TRAPPED in Raleigh on 5/6/16

We are screening ‘Trapped’ on Friday, May 6, at 7pm at WorkPlace Options (WPO), 2912 Highwoods Blvd, in Raleigh. Filmmaker Dawn Porter examines how abortion laws affect doctors, patients and clinics in different states.

Trapped is about TRAP laws – the Targetted Regulation of Abortion Providers. TRAP laws provide other ways to financially handicap and often close women’s clinics.