News Article

Gonzaga University students will present “Take a Stand Against Sexual Violence,” a dramatic presentation of monologues portraying aspects of sexual assault, rape, and other sexual violence, at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 5 at the Met Theatre in downtown Spokane (901 W. Sprague Ave.). Tickets are $5 for the public, $3 for students.

This marks the seventh annual performance of “Take a Stand,” sponsored by GU’s Center for Community Action and Service Learning (CCASL). The program directed by students Sarah Urlacher and David Hinshaw, and two GU staff advisers. All monologues are written and performed by students. Between monologues, a slideshow of statistics about sexual assault will be presented along with music.

The performance seeks to address the widespread problem of sexual violence in contemporary American culture, driven in part by Gonzaga’s mission that calls upon students to address contemporary problems in meaningful ways.

“This performance becomes a living and breathing testament to the massive problem of sexual violence,” said program
participant Mary Moynihan. “Take a Stand” is a difficult yet critical program for the Gonzaga campus and the greater Spokane community, organizers said.

“‘Take a Stand’ is a social justice issue that is hard for a lot of people to face. They would rather brush it aside to have someone else deal with it,” said Hinshaw, who has been involved with the program for four semesters. “This is a human problem, and it requires a human solution.”

Gonzaga has a long tradition of social justice activism, as is evidenced by the dozens of volunteer programs in many areas that are available to students. Student Kathryn Bassier finds her “social justice niche” with “Take a Stand.”

“Gonzaga puts an emphasis on social issues and social justice. Through ‘Take a Stand,’ I can give a voice to the silent crime wave of sexual assault and violence that is so
pervasive in American society today,” Bassier said.

The program’s necessity is underscored by sexual violence statistics. This is but one GU program seeking to raise awareness and develop a conversation about the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault and how to help those who have been assaulted.

“Take a Stand educates its audience, pushes its audience to pursue justice, it celebrates the spirit of the survivor,
and it provides an anonymous outlet for those who might otherwise suffer in silence,” said Moynihan.

For more information, contact Sarah Dargus at (509) 220-5308 or via e-mail at sdargus@gonzaga.edu.