Ellie Kahn
Contributing Writer
This past week, The College of Wooster engaged in “Sex-Ed Week,” a biannual week full of activities and discussions centered around sexual education, respect and consent. The week is sponsored by k(no)w, the College’s sexual advocacy and anti-rape culture group on campus, who collaborated with organizations such as Queer People of Color (QPOC,) Vox, Men of Harambee (MOH), Brothers of Diversity (BOD), Amnesty International and the Title IX office at the College.
Colleen Gilfether ’18, co-president of k(no)w, emphasized the importance of weeks like this. “Part of this planning means providing support to groups that want to participate, but want to learn more about these issues as they go,” she said. “It is really exciting to help them assist in their group’s learning process, while also having new members of the campus community become more aware on topics — both the presenters and attendee’s gain something from the experience; it isn’t one-sided.”
The week kicked off with two events on Monday. The Title IX office, in conjunction with k(no)w, led a discussion on responding to trauma and supporting friends. Later Monday night, k(no)w and QPOC hosted a panel and discussion titled “Deconstructing Dating Preferences.” Vy Vu ’18, another member of k(no)w’s executive board, as well as Channler Twyman ’18, served as the panelists for the event and facilitated a dynamic discussion afterwards.
On Tuesday, Vox, a group on campus affiliated with Planned Parenthood that advocates for safe sex and reproductive rights, offered an event titled “Safe Sex 101” in the CoRE. Wednesday’s event was run by k(no)w and MOH, titled “Chill vs. Chill.” An event that has long been a favorite of students at the College, Chill vs. Chill provides a space and forum for discussing “taboo” topics, such as the pros and cons of hookup culture on college campuses.
The latter part of the week continued to be packed with engaging and informative events. On Thursday, Vox, along with the Wellness Center, hosted “Get Yourself Tested,” where students benefited from free STI testing. Later on, k(no)w facilitated a discussion called “Choose Your Own Adventure: Demystifying the Porn Industry” in the Babcock Formal Lounge. At this event, k(no)w members worked to have a conversation about some of the societal myths surrounding pornography, and provided information on the history and legislation that surrounds the industry.
Today, there will be a discussion hosted by Amnesty International titled “International Reproductive Rights.” This will take place from 4-5 p.m. in Kauke 038, and all are encouraged to attend. Finishing up the week will also be an event titled “Healthy Relationships” organized by BOD; this will take place in the Babcock Formal Lounge from 6-7 p.m.
Aside from participating in Sex Ed Week, k(no)w works during the year to make the College a safer place for those affected by sexual assault. Gilfether said that “even though [k(no)w is] dedicated to discussions pertaining to sex education, Title IX, sex-positivity and consent, we also do a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ advocacy: whether it be having members sit on the Title IX working group, tabling to implement a monthly notification system, speaking with a survivor about their reporting options or participating in additional training opportunities — our members of k(no)w do a lot.”
Keep an eye out for other events sponsored by k(no)w throughout the year, such as movie screenings, events and discussions. Take Back the Night, an annual event hosted by the group, will take place this upcoming spring.
Those interested in learning more about k(no)w or becoming involved are encouraged to reach out to Gilfether or Vu through their campus emails, at CGilfether18@wooster.edu and VVu18@wooster.edu, respectively.