A Message of Hope and Justice: Denim Day 2025
May 2, 2025 • Behind the Scenes, Health and Wellbeing, Student Experience
By Sophia Brockman
On Denim Day, April 30, 2025, the HSC community came together to wear denim as a visible statement of solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and to challenge harmful myths around consent and victim-blaming.
The Denim Day movement began in response to a court ruling that tight jeans implied consent, a decision that sparked global outrage and a call to action. By wearing denim, we join a worldwide effort to say: It’s never about the clothing you’re wearing, and it’s never the survivor’s fault.
Students share ideas for uplifting survivors
Throughout April, the Office of Care and Civility engaged students in reflection and conversation around how communities can uplift and support survivors. Students shared powerful ideas including:
- “Spreading awareness, especially on social media”
- “Respecting the boundaries of patients and coworkers”
- “Referring survivors to organizations for support”
- “Providing the right resources and supporting others who have experienced sex-based violence”
Students offer messages of support
On Denim Day itself, we invited students to write what the day means to them or offer words of encouragement to survivors. Their responses reflected deep empathy and commitment to creating a culture of care:
- “You are seen”
- “You are not to blame”
- “You are not alone”
- “Resilience”
- “Solidarity”
- “I believe you”
- “You are heard”
We are grateful to every student who participated and helped amplify this message of hope and justice. Together, we continue to build a campus culture grounded in respect, compassion, and support for all.
Resources and support
If you are interested in learning more about Sexual Assault Awareness and the resources available, visit our resource guide here.
Here is a list of resources for survivors of sexual assault and loved ones:
HSC Care Team
- HSC Students Only
- 817-735-2740
- unthsc.edu/care-and-civility
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
- Confidential support
- 800-656-HOPE (4673)
- www.rainn.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Crisis support and resources
- Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- www.thehotline.org
Social media