By Keith Allen
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Students, faculty and community leaders have made a strong show of support for the UA's Rape Awareness Week.
The week, intending to confront students and the community with the issue of rape, has been presented by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona's Campus Acquaintance Rape Educators and Student Health Services.
"Being on the Mall is just as great as the insert (in the Daily Wildcat on Monday)," said Lewis Breton, a molecular and cellular biology senior who is one of the event's organizers. "We are getting to the heart of the issue and have enjoyed a good turnout."
Said UA President Manuel Pacheco, "I'm glad to see various organizations coming together and calling attention to the crime of rape. It is important for me to show support, and this is an area of concern."
Pacheco signed the "United Against Rape" support board, like many students, faculty and community leaders have during the week.
"All types of organizations, including Greeks, residence halls and community organizations have been involved," said Maile Weigele, an exercise and sport science junior and director of CARE.
Breton said he feels this is the most successful year, based on the responses the organizers have received this week.
A banner contest and activities were held on Tuesday and Wednesday on the Mall. The week's activities, which include a booth on the Mall, signature boards, sexual assault quizzes and a display board, will be moved to the Student Recreation Center for today's and tomorrow's activities. The events will run from 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. both days.
"It is something that concerns me," said Suzanne Kloss, psychology freshman. "The people were helpful and had a lot of information."
CARE, the Women's Resource Center, Tucson Rape Crisis Center, Frisky Business, Students Against Acquaintance Rape, Student Health Promotion, the UA Police Department, and AOD Peers have all participated in the event.
"We are here to raise the awareness of rape through a fun way to present it," said Traci Jalbuena, a second-year sociology graduate student and street theater performer in the Women's Street Theater Group. The group performed on the Mall yesterday.
Also, in a show of support, Dr. Mary Koss gave her support to the week. Koss is a nationally known rape researcher.
"Rape touches almost everyone, if you are open to hear about it," Koss said, adding that she was encouraged to see the amount of men that were involved.
"It is a positive movement to see men get involved," Koss said. "As somebody who has devoted 20 years to this work, I feel like a mother. I am privileged to watch the movement grow."
"The topic pertains to all college students," said Mike Margolin, a philosophy and political science senior and president of the Interfraternity Council.
"Women's issues are men's issues too," said James Cook, a performer in the street theater and a sociology graduate student. "I want to live in a society where men are not feared."