"You may be the first to do many things, but make sure Volume XxVII, Issue 2 you’re not the last." — , quoting her mother Spring 2021

Letter from the Saying Goodbye to Project AWAKEN Co-Editors Tennessee helped educate the stu- Just as we evolved to Tech’s campus is dent body about power- meet the challenges of losing a valuable based violence and ways COVID-19, society is con- resource. Current- students can get involved stantly evolving to meet ly, students can to make a difference. the needs of humankind. utilize Project With the loss of Pro- Our Spring 2021 edition of AWAKEN, an amazing federally ject AWAKEN, many offices and cam- Attune highlights societal funded grant program that addresses pus groups will continue offering pro- evolution over the years power-based violence on campus. grams and services that align with and areas where change is Power-based violence includes sexual AWAKEN’s mission. On campus, the needed today. Try MAD- assault, domestic violence, dating vio- Women’s Center will continue several AM Vice President and An lence and stalking. AWAKEN works of AWAKEN’s educational programs Equal Playing Field highlight to eliminate power-based violence, and PEP will continue its important the advancements society train bystanders to intervene, improve work under a new faculty advisor, Ni- made towards equal repre- professional responses to survivors cole Cook. Survivors can go to the sentation in government and empower survivors. The Wom- Counseling Center, the Title IX Coor- and athletics. It’s “Dr.” Jill en’s Center interviewed Project Coor- dinator, the University Police and the Biden features the dinator Jac Ewasyshyn and Assistant upcoming grant funded ASPIRE and how her determination Project Coordinator Erin Murray, SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examin- to live her own life is help- who shared information about ers) program at Health Services that ing shift gender expecta- AWAKEN’s accomplishments and will be made up of Victim Advocates tions in the . where students can go for help now trained to work with survivors and Similarly, “These Gender that AWAKEN’s time on Tech’s RNs who have been specially trained to Norms Got Hands!” show- campus has reached its end. care for sexual assault patients. The cases how digital media AWAKEN has accomplished much Women’s Center can help direct stu- offers a platform to fight in its four years at Tech, including dents to resources that will fit their gender norms and biases. initiating the Peer Empowerment needs; for more help, reach out to the Directly relevant to our Program (PEP; see page 3), forming a Women’s Center (see back page for campus community, Saying Coordinated Community Response more campus and community re- Goodbye to Project AWAK- Team (CCRT), creating the Don’t sources and contact information). EN, Tech’s Peer Empower- Cancel That Class program, designing When asked what final words they ment Program and Breastfeed- a Power-Based Violence course that would like to share with students, ing Spaces discuss resources reached 2,500 new students in fall Ewasyshyn and Murray wanted to re- available on campus and those our campus still 2020 alone and planning several mind survivors that “You are not needs. awareness-raising events throughout alone, it was not your fault, we believe the semester. Project AWAKEN has Change is an ongoing you, there is no shame in reaching out process that we have the held several events open to all stu- for help [and] help is available to sup- dents on campus and in the wider power to influence. Wheth- port you in your healing process.” Cookeville community. “This er you revolutionize a na- [academic] year alone, we have Even though Project AWAKEN is no tional position like Dr. ER ANDplanned THE COMMISSION and sponsored ON THE nationallySTATUS OF WOMEN: longerATTUNED around, TO TODAY’S we canWOMEN continue to Biden or write a letter sup- known experts to speak about self- make progress on our campus. To the porting something you care and healthy masculinity, partici- general student population, Ewasyshyn believe in, we are all capa- pated in campus wide events such as and Murray wanted students to know, ble of making a difference One Billion Rising, planned work- “You all can make a difference on cam- in our own lives and our shops on meditation, the intersection pus and in your communities by taking communities. For infor- of gun violence and domestic vio- a stand against power-based violence, mation on how to make a lence, moderated a Criminal Minds by being an active bystander and by difference on campus, expert panel discussion and coordi- taking care of each other. If you see nated trainings for campus police and check out the “Give Help” something, say something! You have section on the back page of area mental health providers.” the power to make a difference.” Through this diverse collection of Attune. —Rachel Pearson —Rachel Pearson events and programs, AWAKEN has THE TTU WOMEN’S CENT and Lena Albro Page 2 ATTUNE However, employers are not required both employees and visitors of “federal facili- to compensate for the break time dedi- ties around the nation.” These laws protect Breastfeeding Spaces cated to expressing breast milk under the rights of parents to breastfeed in public Many parents choose to breastfeed the ACA. In Tennessee, state code spaces. their child, but without proper accommo- specifies that all breaks for expressing Unfortunately, college campuses fall dations and protections, breastfeeding can breast milk must be unpaid and that, “the through the cracks of these current breast- be deceivingly difficult to maintain. To- break time shall, if possible, run concur- feeding laws. While employees must have day, many laws exist that address employ- rently with any break time already provided access to lactation spaces on campus due to ee and public breastfeeding. However, to the employee,” according to the Nation- the ACA, colleges are not legally required to some groups of parents are over- provide these accommodations for students. I looked in current breastfeeding ac- interviewed Tech’s SGA College of Business commodations because college cam- Senator Kelly Bell who has advocated for a puses are not directly addressed. A bill dedicating lactation spaces for students on push for more dedicated lactation spaces on college campuses is a neces- campus. Bell came to realize the need when a sity so that students have access to student approached her asking for directions safe, clean and private spaces to ex- to a restroom stall with an outlet for her to press milk. plug in her pump. Shocked to realize she Several laws address employees’ could not identify any such location, Bell rights to parental leave and private talked with the library, discovering there was lactation spaces. According to The one “random stall with an outlet” students Family Medical Leave Act, the maxi- tend to use for pumping but very few dedicat- mum time permitted for parental leave ed lactation spaces exist for students. She is 12 weeks for most people. This al Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). says, “students are in a sort of limbo,” ex- timeframe does not allow many breast- However, just as important is the feder- plaining that although public colleges are feeding employees to remain home during al requirement of accommodations for largely funded by taxpayer money like federal the entirety of their desired breastfeeding breastfeeding beyond employment. Ac- facilities, Tech is not defined as a federal facil- period. Fortunately, the Affordable Care cording to the NCSL, 31 states, including ity and therefore is not required by FMBA to Act (ACA) requires employers to provide Tennessee, currently exempt breastfeeding “reasonable break time for an employee from the criminal offense of public inde- provide a student-accessible lactation spaces. to express breast milk… for 1 year after cency. As not all states exempt breastfeed- Expounding upon why she believes this legis- the child’s birth,” and, “a place other than ing from this crime, public and accessible lation is necessary, she states, “There is no a bathroom, that is shielded from view spaces to breastfeed privately are needed. school without the students; they are the and free from intrusion from coworkers The Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) backbone of it all.” As Bell’s senior senate and the public.” Prior to the ACA, the Act, signed in 2018, requires “airports…to term came to an end, I was motivated to run Civil Rights Act of 1964 was amended by provide a clean, private, non-bathroom and was elected in her place with the inten- the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978 space in each terminal for the expression of tion of spearheading this legislation myself. “to prohibit sex discrimination on the breast milk.” Meanwhile, the Fairness for All parents deserve spaces to breastfeed, in- basis of pregnancy, childbirth and related Breastfeeding Mothers Act (FBMA) of cluding on college campuses. While a few medical conditions.” Based on this law, 2019, “requires that certain public buildings lactation spaces exist on campus (see back), the US Court of Appeals in 2013 “held that contain a public restroom also provide more are needed. To support the develop- a lactation room, other than a bathroom, that firing a woman because she is lactat- ment of this bill and help to get it passed, ing or expressing milk is unlawful sex that is hygienic and available for use by a email your SGA representatives and myself. discrimination,” according to the USBC. member of the public.” This act covers —Amber Lovell Write a Letter of Support to Help Bring Back Project AWAKEN Letters of support will be used to help garner administrative support and funding to maintain AWAKEN once grant funding ends. Below are some things to keep in mind when writing your letter.

Questions to address: Impact on future students: Stay Positive: Technical suggestions: • Who are you • Explain that AWAKEN’s • Ensure a positive tone • Consider providing con- • How are you connected presence would not scare in your letter. tact info so readers can to Tech? you away from Tech. In- • Express gratitude for follow up with you later. • Why do you think terpersonal violence is a previous funding and • If possible, sign your AWAKEN is im- pervasive issue that needs urge further develop- letter on paper and then portant? addressing on all college ment of prevention and mail or send a PDF campuses. advocacy efforts. copy.

Letters can be sent to Dr. Ann Hellman at [email protected] VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE 2 Page 3

on particular social pro- name. Dr. Biden expressed sur- as an educator. Dr. It’s “Dr.” Jill Biden jects or causes,” writes prise to hear anyone make such Biden believes she shouldn’t have “And I’m going to teach as Andrea González- a request considering how hard to give up her passions because well,” Dr. Jill Biden remarked in Ramírez, Senior Staff Writer at she worked to obtain this title. of the path her husband chooses. an interview with Stephen Col- GEN. “One of Biden's earliest Pulitzer Prize “I couldn't just move to bert when discussing her role as priorities, even before her hus- winner Robin Washington and only first lady. Dr. Biden will contin- band was sworn in as president, Giyhan ex- live Joe's life,” stated ue to teach English at Northern was to restart the Joining Forces plains that Dr. Biden. Even as first Virginia Community College, Initiative, a program she launched Epsteins’ lady, Dr. Biden will not but now from the White House. with in 2011 to comments conform to archaic Dr. Biden will be balancing support service members, military reflect older standards and expecta- meeting the duties of a first lady families and veterans,” report expectations tions of what women with prioritizing time for her Jada Yuan and Ellen McCarthy of of the office. should be. students. While making history . Within the “No matter Dr. Biden’s decision to as the first first lady to keep her first 48 hours of President Joe how profes- honor her own path will full-time job, Dr. Biden will Biden taking office, Dr. Biden sionally ac- continue to inspire personally delivered inauguration revolutionize the role of first complished or independent a women of the future. First ladies cookies to National Guards de- lady and inspire others not to woman might have been before “have an enormous impact on ployed to D.C. By doing this, Dr. conform to outdated expecta- her husband took the presiden- the soul and conscience of the Biden is already attempting to tial oath of office, she was ex- tions. nation. Because they often can work on the areas she plans to pected to shed her previous The position of first lady has rise above politics in the heat of countless expectations, but it has focus on as first lady. identity and set about represent- the moment and just connect on no official duties. Each first lady While many people praise Dr. ing the softer side of the United a very human level," says Anita defines the role for herself. His- Biden for continuing her full-time States.” Other celebrities such McBride, former chief of staff to torically, the role of first lady career from the White House, not as Reverend Bernice King and was to perform public and cere- everyone is supportive of her Hilary Clinton also spoke out . Without question, monial duties such as hosting decision. Writer and former against Epstein’s startling invita- Dr. Biden’s performance as first state dinners. “Now they also Northwestern University profes- tion. Dr. Biden rejects this view lady will continue to shape the serve as surrogates to their hus- sor, questioned of the first lady’s role. Her pas- role of women in our society for bands' administrations, taking whether Dr. Biden would consid- sion for teaching drives her to generations to come. er dropping the “Dr.” before her continue doing what she loves —Natajha Johnson events. For the “Criminal uating, involvement in PEP has opened Tech’s Peer Empowerment Program Minds” event, PEP and the many doors for me. PEP has made me a Thirteen percent of all college students Sociology & Criminal Justice Club gathered a better ally and has prepared me to be an will experience rape or sexual assault, and panel that included a retired FBI profiler, excellent advocate in my career. almost six percent of students have experi- victim advocates, a professor and a forensic Though violence continues to happen, enced stalking, according to the Rape, As- nurse. The expert panel discussed how the we can all do something to help. PEP and sault, & Incest National Network (RAINN). criminal justice system responds to sexual similar programs are valuable to college In addition, only 20% of female students who and domestic violence in the real world and campuses because they are made up of experience sexual assault report it to law en- how the process may be different than its students who care about their peers and forcement. With these shocking statistics in pop culture portrayal. At the “Warm Wel- can connect peers to the resources needed mind, the need for an on-campus resource for come back to Campus” events, PEPs passed to get through the aftermath of their expe- student survivors of interpersonal violence is out free hot hands to the campus community rience. PEPs help the campus community obvious. At Tennessee Tech, the Peer Em- during the chilly first days of the Spring se- by educating students on supporting powerment Program (PEP) was formed to mester. PEP and Project AWAKEN collabo- friends, training students to be active by- address this need. rated to host a Solidarity event at the Back- standers and providing referrals to survi- PEP is a group of students who raise door Playhouse where survivors could share vors. PEP is full of passionate students awareness about sexual violence, stalking, and their experiences in a night filled with songs, who want to create a safe campus for eve- dating violence on campus. To best serve the poems, and stories that touched everyone in ryone, and you can be a part of this work campus community, PEP members (PEPs) attendance. too. As a student, you can participate in receive 10 hours of training each academic To get personal, I joined PEP to further PEP’s programs and trainings or even year on the topics of crisis intervention, safety my education on advocacy and gain a better become a PEP yourself. If you have ques- planning, dynamics of violence, trauma and understanding of sexual violence and its ef- tions or are interested in joining PEP, relevant resources for students. Though not fects on those involved. The opportunity to contact PEP President Madison Sendek at advocates, PEPs are prepared to provide cri- educate others about these complex topics [email protected] . No one sis intervention to survivors and refer them to has been beneficial to me as a student and a should have to experience violence, espe- additional healing resources. survivor. Many people do not know much cially within our own campus community. PEP also organizes several events each about issues like sexual violence and stalking By joining PEP in its work against vio- semester. Some of PEP’s recent events in- and I feel lucky to have the training and lence, we can all help to make our campus clude the “Criminal Minds: Fact or Fiction?” knowledge to raise awareness. As someone safer for everyone. and “Warm Welcome back to Campus” who plans to work with survivors after grad- —Madison Sendek Page 4 ATTUNE

creating equal competition formats with the appointment of 12 additional wom- An Equal Playing Field and technical rules, removing unjusti- en to the Olympics board, according to The After a one-year delay due to COVID fiable differences in technical re- Guardian. Seiko Hashimoto, the current -19, the 2021 Olympics will be held in quirements for uniforms and providing the President of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Tokyo this summer. In previous years, same sport-specific equipment to men and Committee, pushed for these changes when women have been underrepresented in women. In addition, men and women will she was appointed following the forced res- the Olympic games and leadership posi- have balanced media portrayal in screen ignation of former president Yoshiro Mori tions. The Olympics is taking several time and advertisements and will be paid the for his derogatory remarks about women. steps to promote gender equality and same in prize money and athlete payments. Hashimoto stated, “Regarding the promo- create a balanced representation of gen- tion of gender equality, we be- ders. Their example can encourage equali- lieve that it is necessary to work ty worldwide since the Olympics set a with a sense of speed and pro- global standard for athletics. duce solid results in order to Women have historically been un- restore the trust in the organiz- derrepresented in the Olympics. Accord- ing committee.” Those in posi- ing to an article in The World, Baron tions of leadership recognize Pierre de Coubertin, a founding member the need for action and have of the Olympic games, excluded women worked together to set goals of from the first Olympics in 1896. Couber- immediate change towards gen- tin said, “No matter how toughened a der equality in the Olympics. sportswoman may be, her organism is not Gender bias has been present since the cut out to sustain certain shocks.” Since These changes are working: in 2021, the beginning of the Olympics. Since the Olym- competitor population is almost 49% female then, women have continued to struggle pics set a standard for athletics programs compared to 34% in 1996, according to to compete in the Olympics. Even as late across the world, gender biases and discrimi- Reuters. The Olympics also changed their as 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, men dominated nation cannot be allowed to continue within the Olympics competitor population with rules to allow a female and male carry their team’s flag together at the opening ceremo- the games. In a report within the IOC Gender women making up less than half of par- Equality Review Project, current IOC President ticipants. Additionally, more men’s events ny. The Olympics is pushing for gender Thomas Bach stated, “I firmly believe that were hosted than women’s or mixed equality and wants the number of female events with 161 strictly men’s events and and male competitors to be 50%/50% sport is one of the most powerful platforms only 145 women’s and mixed events across the 206 current teams by the 2024 for promoting gender equality and empow- combined, according to The World. Paris Olympics. ering women and girls.” By improving gen- The Olympics has taken steps to push The Olympics is also working towards der representation and adapting rules and for gender equality in the games. In 2018, equal representation in leadership positions. practices within the Olympics, the current the IOC Gender Equality Review Project The goals of the IOC project include bal- IOC hopes to inspire worldwide change was put in motion to balance representa- ancing gender representation in coaches, towards gender equality. The steps taken by tion in the Olympics. This project imple- officials and leadership positions. The first the IOC not only provide hope for equal woman was not elected to the Olympics ments ways to achieve gender equality representation by the 2024 Olympic games, board until 1990. Women’s representation beginning with the 2021 Olympics. Some but also in societies worldwide. in Olympic leadership positions increased of the project’s goals include ensuring —Lilly Davis gender equality by the 2024 Olympics, from 21% in 2017 to about 42% in 2021, NEW! Dismantle the Patriarchy Tuba Quartet

D.T.P (Dismantle the Patriarchy) is Tennessee Tech’s first all-female tuba/euphonium quartet. DTP’s premier performance was on April 14th, 2021. “Low brass instruments have long been a bastion of male musi- cians…I am so proud of these young women as musicians and representa- tives of our School of Music and my colleague Winston Morris for re- cruiting and coaching them” said professor Dan Allcott, Director of Or- chestra Studies. For more information on this group, contact the School of Music at [email protected] or (931) 372-3161. Quartet members: Hannah Eitzen, Gracie Smith, Audrey Wakefield and Hannah Griffin VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE 21 Page 5

are also 30% more likely to achieve en to fight discrimina- Try MADAM Vice President managerial roles. The discrepancy is tion. According to Leanne A glass ceiling was shat- ible barrier to professional ad- even bigger for minorities. Peace Kemp, chief executive officer tered on January 21, 2021 vancements that affects women First Fellow Jasmine Babers coined of Everledger, “improving when Kamala Harris was and minorities. The term was the term “concrete ceiling” in 2016 political empowerment for sworn in as vice president of coined by Marilyn Loden in to describe the reality that Black women typically corresponds the United States becoming 1978 when she addressed why women face a barrier much tougher with increased numbers of the first woman, first Black than glass. women in senior roles in the and first Asian-American Women’s careers may frequent- vice president in the history ly stall because of stereotypical gen- labor market.” This prognosis of the U.S. This is not the der roles and gender bias. Women seems promising considering first glass ceiling Harris has are often thought to lack the asser- that a record high of 144 shattered. Born to immi- tiveness and ambition to fill manag- women are currently serving grant parents who met ing positions, but are also discour- in the U.S. Congress, includ- over their passion for civil aged from possessing these traits as ing Harris. Furthermore, rights, Harris learned early they are not considered proper for Biden’s cabinet is set to be the on to fight for what she women. Also, women are often most diverse cabinet in US believes in. After earning a expected to take on the role of the history, with nearly 55% degree in political science caregiver in their home and must nonwhite and 45% female and economics from How- balance a “second shift” of work at positions, according to a Na- ard University and a degree home which men aren't often sub- tional Public Radio article by in law from UC Hastings jected to. According to the 2009 Alana Wise. This upward College of Law, Harris journal article Taking on the Second trend towards inclusion and became the first Black woman women don’t advance in the Shift by Melissa Milkie et al., to be elected district attorney workforce. Her conclusion, that “Mothers who are employed representation of women and in California in 2003 and later there is no evidence supporting fulltime work about 12 hours more minorities can be attributed to became the state’s attorney that women don’t have the skill per week in unpaid labor compared women like Harris, who shat- general. In 2016, Harris won sets or temperament to advance, with similarly situated fathers.” The ter glass ceilings and pave the her U.S. Senate race and was made her very unpopular in the only way these often-unconscious way for women’s leadership. appointed as President Joe company that hired her to in- biases in society and workplaces Harris’ mother taught her the Biden’s vice president in 2020. vestigate these issues. Today, can be tackled is by having a con- motto, “You may be the first, Harris’ achievements repre- the glass ceiling is still prevent- versation, acknowledging the barri- but make sure you’re not the sent important milestones in ing career advancement for ers, and setting new standards. last,” and with it Vice Presi- the fight for gender equality women and minorities. Accord- To tackle these biases, represen- dent Harris is inspiring a new and inclusion of marginalized ing to Bailey Reiners’ Built In tation of women and minorities in generation of women and groups. article, men are statistically twice leadership matters as we break bar- minority leaders. The term “glass ceiling” is as likely to be hired over women riers, prove gender bias wrong and —Lena Albro used to acknowledge an invis- by managers of all genders. Men inspire a whole generation of wom-

“These Gender Norms issues that all genders a challenge that makes break- mainly used as an entertain- face from harmful gen- ing gender norms seem unat- ment platform, TikTok can be Got Hands!” der norms in society. tainable. The new text might an effective tool in educating One example of a gen- read “me being the only girl in younger generations, especially “I’ma fight these gender der norm addressed in this trend my class.” In this example, a about social issues like gender norms” has become a popular is the belief that women do not woman wants to be in a STEM norms. Many young people phrase used in a video trend on belong in STEM majors. In this major, but is discouraged by gather information from social the app TikTok. Videos following example, a TikTok might start the lack of women in classes. media and popular content this trend all share the same audio with a user saying the first Traditional gender norms creators. TikTok creators can in which a voice says “Okay, I’ma phrase while text on screen can be discriminating and we use their platform to make a fight these gender norms.” The reads “wanting to be a woman should critique the gender large impact on social issues. TikTok users record themselves in STEM even though it is pre- norms in our society. Several Educating ourselves and oth- mouthing these words on camera dominantly a male field.” The strategies exist that can help ers about harmful gender while acting confident. The video user would act confident that overcome the issues that ac- norms and being prepared to then changes and the TikTok user they can overcome this gender company gender norms. These speak up about these issues acts defeated as if returning from a norm, but then the video dis- include speaking up when you are some of the best ways we fight while mouthing the new plays the user defeated. This part see gender discrimination oc- can eradicate outdated gender words, “these gender norms got of the video would include the curring and educating yourself norms within our society. hands!” Many TikTok users are user saying the second phrase and others as to why gender —Madeline Boyanton using this trend to call attention to while the on-screen text displays norms are harmful. Though Get Help:

Health Resources Educational Resources National Resources Counseling Center Women’s Center National Suicide Prevention 931-372-3331 Lifeline tntech.edu/women tntech.edu/counsel 800-273-8255*

Multicultural Affairs Eagle Eye Crisis Hotline National Sexual Assault Hotline tntech.edu/multicultural-affairs 855-206-8997* 800-656-4673*

Health Services National Domestic Violence 931-372-3320 Hotline Community Resources 800-799-7233* tntech.edu/healthservices thehotline.org Genesis House Food Pantry Office: 931-525-1637 tntech.edu/volunteer/pantry.php VictimConnect Resource Center Hotline: 1-800-707-5197* 855-484-2846 Lactation Spaces genesishouseinc.com Women's Center & Health Services Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center We can help you

931-528-1512 or 866-704-1080 University Resources navigate resources! Title IX ucfamilyjusticecenter.org Call the Women’s Center: tntech.edu/titleix Cookeville Police 931-372-3850 [email protected] Main: 931-526-2125

Message us on social media: Campus Police Emergency: 911* @tntechwomenscenter 931-372-3234 tntech.edu/police *resources available 24/7

Staff: Give Help: Contact Us:

Women’s Center • Write a letter to help revive Project Connect with the Helen Hunt, Ph.D., Director AWAKEN (see page 2) Women’s Center on Diana Lalani, Admin. Associate social media! Rachel Pearson, Co-Editor • Support lactation stations on campus by Lena Albro, Co-Editor emailing [email protected] or your : Amber Lovell Madeline Boyanton SGA representatives (contact TnTech Women’s Center Lilly Davis Natajha Johnson information at tntech.edu/sga) Madison Sendek Shelby Campbell • Join Tech’s Peer Empowerment Instagram: Program; email [email protected] @tntechwomenscenter • Read, distribute or write for Attune • Follow the Women’s Center on Office Hours: Facebook and Instagram RUC room 339 Monday-Friday • Volunteer at the Women’s Center for 8 a.m. - noon & 10-20 hours a semester 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Visit our website: tntech.edu/women

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