By Jaime Alcaparras
The Feminist Alliance of the University of Louisville wants to help students kick off a “sexier and safer” spring break vacation.
The Feminist Alliance will host the first “Sexier and Safer Spring Break” event in the Red Barn tomorrow from 11-1 p.m. The group wants to warn students and discuss ways to prevent undesirable situations. The event will include games, information tables, demonstrations and free food.
“Everyone’s heard the stories about the student who disappears or becomes a victim during spring break. No one wants that to be them or someone they know,” said Ashley Merkle, a junior theatre arts major.
Merkle said that she is glad to see that campus groups are making programs available to educate students before spring break.
Among the organizations that will be at the event are Planned Parenthood, Volunteers of America and Prevention, Education, and Advocacy on Campus and in the Community Program.
Spring break is the second busiest time of year for the PEACC Program, according to Sharon LaRue, director of PEACC.
“If you put a bunch of vodka and whisky in a room full of college students, something is bound to go wrong,” said senior Clay Carpenter, reminiscing on past spring breaks in Florida.
Students need to know how much alcohol they can handle before they lose control and need to keep an eye on their drink at all times, said Carpenter, a communications major.
The event will also tackle sex issues and supports students of any sexual orientation.
Games will be played to break the ice for students who are uncomfortable discussing safe sex, said Whitney McClure, of the Feminist Alliance. She also said racing to put a condom on a banana is one example.
“I think talking about safe sexual behaviors via fun activities and workshops [are] so much more beneficial and proactive than passing out condoms with paper bags over our heads,” said Jamie Bennett, a senior English major.
“If you have the information to protect yourself, most likely you will be okay,” said McClure, a sophomore sociology major. “You can only gain from coming to the event.”
