Are you listening?

As outrage about the rape case at Cornell University reverberates across college campuses, and as UIC students wait to hear words of assurance from campus administration, I want to celebrate the students who faced down an institution and brought this horrific story of gender-based violence to national and international attention: Cereese Qusba, Sophia Dasser, Sophia Romanov Imber, Zara Cheek, Rayen Zhou.

With every news story, every new angle, we learned something about how the university units - police, Title IX, student affairs, financial affairs, fraternities, sororities - compounded the harm to the survivor with the decisions they made, even when those decisions seemed to flow from and line up with established policies. That is something all of us, especially university staff, should sit with. Sometimes, the policies and the practices that flow from them are part of the problem. Without constant scrutiny, they become an extension of the oppressive systems that caused the violence that survivors already endured. Speaking up about this issue and pointing out where we should do better often puts staff at risk. Those who can, should.

I also want to lift up the UIC students who are listening to the national conversation, processing so much information, trying to formulate their own questions for the institution where they are currently enrolled, and searching for ways to express their anger and assert their humanity and belongingness.

Over the past couple of days, I have heard them wondering aloud: why do the bulletins that report sexual violence still have a “blame the victim” undertone? Why has the university spent so much money on surveillance cameras but not provided sufficient resources to educate first-year and incoming students about sexual violence? What do social media accounts of sexual assaults that happen at UIC tell us about what the institution is letting slip through the cracks? Why is there no attention to the sexual violence that women students experience as commuters between their home communities and UIC? Where are the resources to make sure that students learn how to be active bystanders to protect each other? Why is there such reluctance to embrace the awful reality that gender-based violence is a public health issue and one that is just as present at UIC as anywhere else?

When asked to imagine what everyday at UIC could be, students in GWS 101 had this to say:

Every day is…

In the midst of a conversation that is dominated by carceral feminist approaches to gender-based violence, they seem to be asking for something else. They are not calling for more police, lawyers, judges, lawsuits, surveillance cameras, and university administrators empowered with draconian policies that do not center survivors. What they are asking their university to do is to talk about the problem, commit to erasing the problem, strengthen prevention approaches to violence, repair the harm, and listen to survivors. All of what carceral approaches can’t and won’t accomplish. Much of what universities are still reluctant to do. And yet, what we will need to do if we are to confront the fact of the vast number of women and gender-expansive persons who are being harmed by sexual assault, rape, stalking, and sexual harassment while they are trying to get an education. Gang rapes on and off campus are not as rare as we want to believe. Focusing solely on this kind of violation, horrible as it is, also distracts us from the quotidian ways that sexual assault unfolds while we watch, laugh, scroll, roll our eyes, turn our heads. We would also be deceiving ourselves if we thought that this is purely an educational issue where, if only people knew about consent, they would respect and practice it. Education is important and a critical part of prevention, but the core problem is one of values. More specifically, how women and girls are valued in this society. We already know why people don’t report when they are harmed, so low numbers in annual reports tell us that the systems that define the bodies of women and girls as territory to be conquered and empower young men to treat them as consumables are working exactly as designed. Silence and shame keep everything in place. It is for that reason why the education that the university provides - in all the ways and levels that we do such work - must constantly reorient its students towards gender equity and justice. We can’t address what we are afraid to name.

October 8 Protest

Related to the Cornell University case, a protest is being organized on campus for Thursday, October 8 by national groups such as Women’s March, Socialist Alternative and Feminist Generation. While WLRC is not an official endorser of the protest - our values don’t fully align with the carceral approach they are championing - we will still be present to speak, to offer resources to the campus, and to chalk out our rage and lift up supporting messaging for survivors. Join us at 11 am and stop by our table!

Drop In - Wednesday, October 14, Noon

What might a non-carceral approach to gang rape look and sound like? How would we like our institution to approach the situation if it happened here? Are you struggling with what to think, say, do with your co-workers or children, whether they are in high school or in college? How are you participating in helping to prevent gender-based violence? Come by WLRC to talk, share strategies, find community, build power.

Until next time, be well and take good care of each other.

Wednesday, October 7 | 3-5pm
153 BSB & Zoom
Audience: Everyone (open to the public)

Join us for an afternoon with Black feminist disability studies scholar Anna LaQuawn Hinton, in celebration of her recent book, Refusing to Be Made Whole: Disability in Black Women’s Writing. Washieka Torres will join us as a respondent.

[ID: A blue and green flyer that features the cover of Refusing to Be Made Whole, which has an abstracted profile of a head looking toward the sky with radiating lines that resemble a seashell. Below is a portrait of Hinton, a smiling Black woman with an orange shirt and glasses and details about the event.]

Thursday, October 8 | 11am - 1pm
UIC Quad
Audience: Everyone (open to the public)

Angry about the Cornell, LSU, and New Delhi sexual assault cases in the news? Want to help us raise awareness about gender-based violence at college campuses and around the world? Join us Thursday to turn rage into action! Let’s come together to support survivors and speak out against violence everywhere!

11am - 12pm: Chalk the Quad with WLRC/CAN
12-1pm: Walkout & Rally organized by UIC students (we will be speaking & tabling)

[ID1: A row of colored chalk sticks sitting on black pavement. Above them is "Chalk the Quad. Thursday, October 8. 11am - 12pm. Meet at the WLRC/CAN table before the rally" in white. Around that text are chalk-drawn messages and a heart: "Stop violence against students," "I am Jane Doe," "Keep Us Safe," and "We support survivors."

ID2: White text on a black and green background: "National Day of Action. October 8th @ Noon. Students: Walkout & Rally to #StopSexualViolence." At the bottom is white text on a red background: "WLRC/CAN will be speaking & tabling at a student-organized rally on the UIC Quad!"]

Wednesday, October 14 | 3:30-6pm
AARCC, 723 W. Maxwell
Audience: Everyone (open to the public)

Join us for the opening panel and reception for this traveling exhibit that explores the experiences, contributions, and legacy of Filipino nurses who migrated to the United States.

Exhibit curator and author Angel Abcede will join UIC faculty members Anna Guevarra and Karen Flynn to discuss the history, migration, and contributions of Filipino nurses in the U.S.

[ID: Three nurses flank a hospital bed with a patient lying in it. At the top is "Unheard Voices of Care: Filipino Nurses in America." At the bottom are details about two events related to the exhibit.]

Apply by Friday, October 9
Audience: UIC Undergraduate Students

WLRC offers tuition awards to support the educational pursuits of women undergraduate students who have a great deal of financial need that is not being met by financial aid or loans.

We especially encourage applications from women who are members of marginalized groups, e.g., lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women; women of color; women with disabilities; veterans; undocumented students; parenting students; and students returning to college to complete their education.

[ID: "Tuition Award" in blue and purple gradient block text and the "Women's Leadership and Resource Center" in dark blue block text with the UIC red circle to its left, on a white background. At the top is a purple-blue prize ribbon with "WLRC" in the center.]

Resources for Survivors and those who love and support them

At the WLRC and Campus Advocacy Network (CAN), we witness how gender-based violence (GBV) impacts student survivors’ college experiences, and we know that hearing stories of violence can retraumatize those who have encountered harm, betrayal, or oppression. Survivors, please know that we are here for you. 

In this note from our last newsletter, we shared resources that student survivors of sexual violence can access anytime, as well as ways you can learn and get more involved in ending GBV and supporting survivors.

[ID: "Caring for Ourselves and Each Other: Resources for Survivors and those who love and support them" in light pink text on a magenta background with swirls in it.]

As the academic year progresses and many of you and your families are being impacted by the actions of ICE and their abductions, WLRC and the Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change (CCUSC) want to underline our ongoing support to you all. Remember that there are multiple pillars on campus to help you stay resolute in completing your studies.

As you continue to fight the good fight, know that you are not alone in the urgency you are feeling. Our space is open to study, gather in community, and check in with staff. We are here to support your academic success through the end of the semester and beyond. We will continue to find courage in our solidarity and community, fight injustice, and build spaces of love and care.

Additional Campus Resources:

[ID1: A heart, outlined in red, with rays emanating from the top. ID2: A pair of clasped fists, outlined in red, with rays emanating from the top.]

Survivors, we are so glad that you are here, and we want you to thrive. Start the year strong by learning your options and connecting with the resources you need!

Reach out to the Campus Advocacy Network for free, confidential support if you have experienced gender-based violence (sexual assault, harassment, stalking, domestic/dating violence, or family abuse), or if you have questions about safety or healing.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

To connect with an advocate:

Did you know? 

CAN services are here for everyone! We serve students, faculty, and staff of all genders and sexualities. We're here for you if you experience violence yourself or if you are supporting a friend or loved one. 

[ID: A grey t-shirt with "Someone you love is a survivor" painted on it in red and white. Red and black hearts are scattered around the words.]

If you are a student leader, instructor, or supervisor, please consider inviting CAN to speak to your class through our Don’t Cancel Your Class! program, or request a training for your department, college, student organization, or other campus unit. 

[ID: Three students participating in a dating timeline activity on a tabletop.]

Faculty, please include info about us in your curriculum and syllabus:

"If you have experienced sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking, or harassment, there is help available. The Campus Advocacy Network provides free and confidential services to UIC students, faculty, and staff who have experienced or are experiencing interpersonal violence. 

Pregnant and parenting students are also welcome to contact CAN for resources, information, and support.

If you would like to speak with an advocate, please email CAN at can-appointment@uic.edu, call (312) 413-8206 and leave a voicemail message, text (312) 488-9784, or fill out CAN's Ask An Advocate form online at can.uic.edu/ask. To learn more, visit CAN's website at can.uic.edu."

[ID: A CAN team member standing next to a presentation screen and facilitating a discussion on how to respond to a disclosure of gender-based violence.]

UIC Graduate College: Weekly Funding Opportunities List
Check out this weekly email full of funding, job, and fellowship opportunities for graduate students!

UIC IRRPP: Funding Opportunities
IRRPP's funding programs support the scholarly, community development, and educational activities of UIC faculty members and graduate students whose work focuses on race, ethnicity, and public policy.

UIC Suleiman Naber Student Engagement Award
Apply by October 9
Provides $500 to honor a student who has helped build community through their leadership or everyday acts of participation and support including engagement with the Arab American Cultural Center or related student organizations. 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Universal Family Connection: Domestic Violence Awareness Walk & Run
Saturday, October 10 | 8:45am - 12pm, 1350 W. 103rd, Chicago
Join us as we take a stand against domestic violence with a powerful walk and run event to raise awareness and support survivors.

Man of the House Stageplay
Saturday, October 10 | 5-7pm, Harold Washington Cultural Center
A dramedy that revolves around one man’s struggle to save his relationship and get his life on track, while his woman runs the house and everything in it. The production tackles domestic violence from the perspective of a man experiencing abuse.  

The Network: DVAM Coffee Shop Pop-Ups
October 17-25 | Various Chicago locations
Stop by Cadinho Bakery & Café, Bien Perro Cafe, and Grano Cafe to get anti-violence resources, enter raffles, and buy purple items in honor of DVAM!

The Network: Hotline Advocacy Training: Strengthening Knowledge & Practice
October 22-27 | Virtual
This training will revisit and update key domestic violence content through the lens of hotline advocacy, with a focus on the situations, questions, and challenges advocates encounter when supporting survivors by phone.

KAN-WIN & Haibayô: Fall into Action DVAM Fundraiser
Saturday, October 24 | 6-8pm, 1132 W. Argyle, Chicago
We are raising community support to ensure immigrant survivors can access affordable housing, legal support, healthcare, and mental health services. Join us for an evening elevating survivor stories, expanding connections, and fostering strong grassroots support for our community members in crisis. 

KAN-WIN: 40-hour Domestic Violence Training
November 7-15 | 25 E. Pearson, Chicago
Completing this training will make you eligible to volunteer for our 24-hour hotline and work directly with survivors. 20 hours self-paced modules and 20 hours of in-person training.

OTHER EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES

Resilience: Trauma in the Headlines: Coping Skills For Collective Stress
Sunday, October 11 | 2-4pm, Virtual
If the news and current events have felt heavy and triggering lately you are not alone. Join us for this virtual session to process what you are feeling and decompress.

Chicago Abortion Fund: A Home Here: Post-Abortion Community Circle
Tuesday, October 13 | 7:30-8:45pm, Virtual
Join us for a drop-in circle for anyone who has had an abortion. This is a space for connection, reflection, and simply being with others who share a common experience. There’s no need to share unless you want to.

¿Y Yo También? Latinas Respond to #MeToo: Online Book Launch & Celebration
Tuesday, October 20 | 6-7:30pm, Zoom
¿Y Yo También? brings together a diverse range of Latina voices to address the under-representation of Latinx voices in the #MeToo movement and discussions of sexual violence. Features a chapter on Latina podcasting by UIC's Dr. Esther Díaz Martín.

Resilience: Volunteer Medical Advocate Training
October 26 - November 19 | Virtual
Are you interested in supporting survivors of sexual assault and violence on the frontlines? Our volunteers participate in a robust training program that fully prepares them for working with survivors in the ERs of our 12 partner hospitals.

UIC Radiant Fellowship: Abortion Care and Reproductive Justice for Advocates and Providers
Friday, November 20 | 9am - 3pm, Quad Cities area
The event will bring together people from Iowa, Illinois, and beyond to strengthen skills, exchange perspectives, and explore practical approaches to supporting patients and communities navigating the changing reproductive healthcare landscape.

UIC Native American Support Program: Fall Speaker Series
September 15 - December 1
Join us for our multidisciplinary speaker series, bringing together leading scholars, legal experts, artists, and community voices across campus, Chicago, and nationwide. 

UIC Counseling Center: Black Womxn's Support Space
Thursdays | 4:30-6pm, 2010 SSB
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you just need somewhere to talk, decompress, create, and be around people who get it? Join us for a drop-in support group for Black womxn where you can come as you are — no need to prepare anything, share anything you don’t want to, or have your life figured out.

UIC Gender and Sexuality Center: The Check In
Wednesdays | 1-2:30pm, 183 BSB
The Check In is an intentional LGBTQIA+ student space for conversation, support, and community--a welcoming and supportive environment for students to discuss meaningful topics with engaging, creative activities.

UIC Gender and Sexuality Center: Beyond the Binary
Mondays | 4:15-5:30pm, Virtual
Beyond the Binary is a weekly support group for UIC students who identify as Trans or Gender Non-Conforming to talk about the issues that are important to you.

CAASE: Surviving the Mic
3rd Thursday of each month | 3-5pm, Zoom
Join this online gathering space for survivors of sexual harm and those who support them. The gathering begins with a check-in and dialogue on current events, followed by a trauma-informed writing workshop.

CAASE: Let's Chat Over Lunch
4th Wednesday of each month | 12-1pm, Zoom
At each gathering, we’ll discuss current cultural events, media, and news headlines related to sexual harm and/or social injustice.

UIC Today Events Calendar
Check regularly for events hosted by departments around campus.

UIC Connection Calendar
Check regularly for student organization meetings and other student-centered events.

Check out what's happening at all our sibling centers this week!

Founded as a direct result of campus activism, the UIC Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change (CCUSC) work collectively to produce knowledge and shift university culture, validating the multidimensional lived experiences of historically and currently excluded communities. Informed by social justice frameworks, the Centers support students, faculty, and staff as they build a strong identity and sense of belonging, becoming change agents for a more just campus and society. The Centers connect our communities and design intercultural and engaged-learning opportunities, student mentorship programs, cultural programming, advocacy, collaborative research, and community partnerships. Through these efforts, the Centers expand the educational and transformational mission of UIC.

In light of threats to our communities, both here at UIC and throughout the Chicago area, it's important to know what our rights are when interacting with immigration and other federal law enforcement officers.

WHAT TO DO

UIC's official protocols for such interactions on campus.

If you need assistance or suspect ICE presence anywhere in IL, please call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Hotline: 1-855-435-7693.

[ID: Details about ICIRR's Family Support Network Hotline: 855-435-7693.]

CAMPUS RESOURCES

We are here for you and will continue to share resources and information with our campus community.

UIC Women’s Leadership and Resource Center
& Campus Advocacy Network

1700 Student Services Building (MC 363)
1200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 413-1025 ∙ wlrc@uic.edu ∙ wlrc.uic.edu

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