Suffolk Athletics to Participate in White Ribbon Day Wednesday

Posted: Feb 27, 2017

BOSTON – Suffolk University Athletics, Director of Athletics Cary McConnell and the Suffolk University Title IX Office is proud to announce Ram Nation's participation in the 10th annual White Ribbon Day campaign Wednesday, March 1.

Held annually during the first week of March, White Ribbon Day (WRD) is a statewide campaign that asks men to pledge to be part of the solution in ending violence against women and all gender-based violence as part of the initiative by Jane Doe Inc. to change societal attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate violence against women and all genders.

On Wednesday, Suffolk's male student-athletes, coaches and administrative staff will wear a white ribbon pledging their commitment to the movement, with student-athletes staffing an information table and handing out white ribbons at Somerset from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and the Department promoting the initiative via its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @GoSuffolkRams using the initiative's official hashtags, #WRD and #ReimagineManhood.

Additionally, Suffolk will be one of 100 municipalities and schools in a newly introduced initiative this year called "Raise a Flag to Raise Awareness" raising a flag in the Michael and Larry Smith Fitness Center on the day of the event.

"The Suffolk University Athletic Department is thrilled to be partnering with the Suffolk Title IX Office in support and promotion of White Ribbon Day," McConnell said. "We are proud to stand up and pledge our commitment as a department and individuals to never stand for violence against women or individuals of any gender. Our goal is to bring this important issue to light by pledging to be part of the solution."

"I am so grateful to Cary McConnell, Suffolk's Athletic Director, all of the male athletes, coaches and staff who are supporting this very important event that will raise awareness around the prevention of gender-based violence," Director of Title IX, Sheila Calkins, said. "The Massachusetts White Ribbon Campaign rallies all men to use their leadership to build a campus climate that promotes healthy relationships for everyone."

Jane Doe Inc. invites men from all walks of life to become a White Ribbon Ambassador and add their voice in seeking solutions to end violence against women. The basic role of An Ambassador is to serve as an example to others by wearing the White Ribbon during the week of March 1 and especially on White Ribbon Day, March 1, 2017. An Ambassador is also challenged to recruit five or more friends and colleagues to wear a white ribbon pin on that day, and to participate in local proclamation events and other activities to promote Massachusetts White Ribbon Day.

About Jane Doe Inc.
As the only sexual and domestic violence statewide, non-profit, advocacy, membership organization in Massachusetts, Jane Doe Inc. provides expert support and resources to our nearly 60 community-based sexual assault and domestic violence members. In 2008, JDI founded the White Ribbon Day Campaign to provide an opportunity for Massachusetts to join this international effort for human rights to engage men to help end violence against women, children and other men. To learn more about the coalition, visit www.janedoe.org, or call (617) 248-0922.