“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” Event Held on Stine Lake

Posted By Gettysburgian Staff on Apr 23, 2024 | 0 comments

(Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)

By Reese Koch, Contributing Writer

On April 18, fraternities and sports teams took part in the Walk A Mile fundraising event. The goal was to raise awareness for the sexual assault service agency, Adams County Empowerment Center, by walking a mile in bright red high heels. Both fraternities and sororities fundraised to spread awareness for the organization and sexual assault awareness.

Beginning at Stine Lake, fraternities including Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) and Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), and sports teams including the men’s lacrosse team, put on high heels and began their walk.

When asked about why ATO was interested in participating in the event, ATO President Greg Himstreet said, “ATO was happy to support such a wonderful evening. Walk A Mile is a keystone event in the Gettysburg College spring semester. We give the most sincere thank you to OSAGL, Amanda Blaugher, and the Office of Sexual Respect for putting on such a great event!”

(Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)

The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes organization has been organizing events since 2001. In their mission statement, it is stated how men taking part in the event take a pledge to no longer willingly participate in and reproduce patriarchy and to actively overcome learned gender biases.

After the walk, Vice President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Michael Zrelak said, “It was great to have such a big turnout to this year’s Walk a Mile to raise awareness for rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. Everyone’s support is essential to helping prevent these things from happening on our campus.”

Donations can still be made to the Walk A Mile in Her Shoes organization at https://www.walkamileinhershoes.org.