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and rape aren’t gender-specific crimes. While women are more commonly the victims of these crimes, men aren’t impervious to these acts of violence.

“We’ve had quite a few stories from men, and you’d be surprised at how often this happens to men,” Hagan said. “They’re just less likely to report it.”

Hagan said she is especially moved when she sees men stop to discuss the display.

“One of my favorite things during the event is when I see a group of young men crowded around the shirts and talking about it,” Hagan said. “It’s hitting them too, and the victim could be their sisters or their mothers. It really brings a great amount of awareness, and that’s what we need.”

Sociology major Jose Moran is a member of both the Feminist Club and the Gay Straight Alliance. Moran said he has experienced abuse in relationships and believes it’s important to seek help.

“I’ve been in a couple of relationships where I was physically and mentally abused, but I had the opportunity to get out of them,” Moran said. “Relationships aren’t supposed to be abusive or controlling.”

Moran said he supports the Denim Day event, and hopes it encourages victims to reach out.

“People should seek help and find resources. I’m glad they have this event,” he said.

Giselle Mendez, an intern at the Student Health Center, was one of the volunteers who assisted with the event. In addition to handing out t-shirts that students could write their stories on, organizers also handed out rape whistles and brochures from various organizations.

“It’s great that these students who were victims, or know someone that was a victim of sexual violence, are speaking up and saying it’s never too late to speak up or fight,” Mendez said. “They’re saying we’re strong and this is not something that should stop us, but something we can grow from.”

Chancellor visits Pierce Foundation

Senior district administrator speaks with foundation board about plans for preservation of Farm Center land

KATERINA CHRYSSAFIS Roundup Reporter @KatChryssafis

Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez attended Tuesday’s Foundation for Pierce College meeting, where board members pushed for a renewed focus on fundraising as a way to mend strained relations with Pierce administrators.

Foundation Chair Denise Robb commended Rodriguez for his continued support of the foundation, which faces a rift with campus administration and is currently being audited for the second time in a year.

“The Chancellor is showing his support for our foundation,” Robb said. “He is a very pro-foundation person. Last year, everyone left and I’ve been trying to rebuild it.”

Robb said she would like to see the foundation focus on on fundraising and reconciliation with the administration.

“We are hoping to have a really good relationship with the district and the administration so that we can raise some good money,” Robb said. “Once we build up our endowments, I think we can do really well.”

Rodriguez said he attended the meeting in order to meet the new members of board and discuss several issues and ideas that were brought forth.

“Today was about making an introduction, as well as figuring out how we can best serve and support the interests of students and their success,” he said.

Rodriguez addressed recent concerns about the future of the farmland and said he plans to use the land for educational purposes.

“There clearly was an issue and consideration of what was going to happen to the Farm Center once it’s returned to the college,” Rodriguez said. “I think there is strong consensus from the college community that it should be returned to its original purposes of agricultural land activities geared toward supporting the academic programs here at Pierce College.”

Rodriguez also discussed Senate Bill 850, now in effect in the LACCD. The bill allows the district to offer one of 15 careerfocused bachelor’s degrees.

“It’s already starting and has been enabled through statewide legislation,” Rodriguez said. “These bachelor degrees through community colleges will be piloted over the next six to eight years from beginning to end. Our district is one of the approved programs.”

Associated Students Organization President Alex Oloo said that although the foundation and the ASO are separate organizations, their ultimate goal remains the same.

“Every time we need each other we always work together,” Oloo said. “We work together for the betterment of our students and for the betterment of Pierce College as a whole.”