While most Vols would prefer to sport Chacos on their hike to class, participants in UT’s first annual “Hike the Hill in Heels” will take on the trek in bedazzled pumps of all shapes, colors and heights.
As a fundraiser for the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee, those who registered — both individuals and teams — will contribute to the organization’s general fund and raise awareness for sexual assault as it pertains to UT students, faculty and the Knoxville community.
“Our goal is really to make everyone hike and not think about high heels as specifically a women’s issue, but more of considering the power of being uncomfortable,” said Ashley Blamey, director for Center of Health Education and Wellness. “If you’re uncomfortable in your shoes, you can think about it in the moment, this issue that is uncomfortable to talk about, but critical for our campus.”
Blamey said the campus response was “huge,” citing a variety of student organizations, offices and divisions that will join the ranks of high heel hikers on Wednesday afternoon. These organizations include fraternities, sororities, UT Athletics, VOLS 2 VOLS, the OUTreach Center, Women’s Coordinating Council and some of UT’s faculty members.
“It’s a very cool way to start a conversation,” Blamey said of the event’s purpose. “This topic can be really hard for people and I think anytime you create an atmosphere where it’s okay to talk about things, that’s where your change comes about.”
Between team competitors and high heel decorating contests, Blamey also highlighted the event as part of a national platform in April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Shannon Rosedale, a graduate student in the College of Social Work, said her role organizing volunteers and campus advertising aids in creating a greater campus education on the reality of sexual assault.
“I think sexual assault is something that affects everyone. Whether you are a survivor or you know someone, you are directly and indirectly impacted by it,” Rosedale said. “Coming out to these events really shows how much our school cares about (the issue of sexual assault), that we are putting forth an effort to bring awareness but also prevent it.”
Besides heel-clad men and women hiking up the Hill on Wednesday, there will also be signs staked in the ground highlighting relevant statistics and quotes about sexual assault for participants to consider during their climb.
“One of things we feel strongly is that sexual assault is a community issue, it’s not a single person issue or a single office issue,” Blamey said. “It’s all of us and making all of us aware of how to be an active bystander, how to support people who experience sexual assault, how to engage in a conversation that changes the culture of campus.
“It’s absolutely critical for the future of campus and our community.”
Hike the Hill in Heels will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, leaving from the Torchbearer statue.
