OneKU Denim Day brings global perspectives on sexual violence to university

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will host OneKU Denim Day “Perspectives on Sexual Violence—Japan & U.S.,” a cross-campus event dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors.

The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. April 29 at the Jayhawk Welcome Center and via Zoom. It is free and open to the public; registration is required. Attendees are welcome to participate in any portion of the program if they are unable to attend the full event.

Held in recognition of Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, the event is co-organized by the Center for East Asian Studies and KU’s Office of Civil Rights & Title IX and supported by 24 co-sponsors, including KU units, student organizations and community partners. The event brings together students, faculty, staff and community members for an interdisciplinary program centered on education, dialogue and advocacy.

Event schedule

Noon: Free pizza lunch provided.

12:30 p.m.: “Loud Enough” film screening, the story of Kansas survivor Madison Smith.

1:45 p.m.: “Black Box Diaries” film screening, the story of Japanese journalist Shiori Ito, who was named to the 2020 TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people for her role in advancing Japan’s #MeToo movement.

3:45 p.m.: Moderated discussion exploring the cultural differences and structural similarities of Ito and Smith’s experiences surrounding sexual violence, social injustice and the power of storytelling, featuring Ito, Smith, Hilary Klotz Steinman (“Black Box Diaries” director), Justin Broadman (detective) and Madison Smith’s parents.

Attendees will also have opportunities throughout the afternoon to view the Silent Witness exhibit, connect with speakers and visit resource tables. Free books will be available while supplies last, including “Black Box” by Ito and ”Involuntary Consent” by Akiko Takeyama.

“In a world where survivors of sexual assault are so often denied justice, Denim Day stands as a commitment to do better for survivors,” said Katherine Goodwin, president of Jayhawks Against Sexual Violence. “Many people ask me why awareness campaigns are important; it is the response to sexual assault that can create the very culture that either prevents or exacerbates sexual violence. Denim Day is a chance for KU students to respond to sexual violence in a meaningful way by starting conversations with each other on how to create a culture that prevents sexual violence.”

“As co-organizer of One KU Denim Day 2026, I see this event as an important opportunity to bring together scholarship, storytelling, and community dialogue to address sexual violence across cultural contexts,” said Takeyama, director of the KU Center for East Asian Studies. “Through documentary films from Japan and the United States, and conversations with survivors, filmmakers and advocates, we aim to foster critical reflection on both cultural specificity and the underlying commonalities that shape these experiences — such as sexual double standards, second victimization and broader forms of social injustice. Denim Day reminds us that sexual violence is not only an individual issue but a structural one, embedded in institutions and everyday practices. I warmly invite students, colleagues and community members to join us in this conversation and help build more just and accountable communities.”

Part of a global movement, Denim Day invites individuals to wear denim as a visible sign of solidarity with survivors and to challenge harmful misconceptions about sexual violence.