Several organizations partnered Thursday in Free Speech Alley for a “Tealgate” to raise awareness of the “Red Zone” and sexual assault. 

The Red Zone is the name for the months August to November in which reports of sexual assault on college campuses are at a high, with as many as 50% of cases being reported in these four months according to the Center For Women and Families. 

Student Government was one of the organizations that helped run the Tealgate, the name of which combines the color of sexual assault awareness and the word “tailgate,” promoting it as a positive way of educating students and allowing for uncomfortable conversations.

Tables were pushed together allowing for students to browse, play games and have snacks while accessing to brochures and pamphlets on sexual assault awareness. One student involved was Myrissa Eisworth, a sociology doctoral student and the SG executive department director of “We’re Committed.” Eisworth helped coordinate the event.

“This is a really dangerous time for people who are new to campus and just students in general while being in the Red Zone,” Eisworth said. “Just making sure they are aware these things exist and they do have people in their corner.”

Also involved was Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response, an organization dedicated to helping victims and their families cope through sexual trauma by providing advocacy, counseling and legal services free of charge. Laysi Putman, a member of STAR, spoke out on the importance of educating students.

“Sexual violence happens every couple minutes and it can happen to anyone, not just women, not just children, not just by men,” Putman said. “There is no common denominator of perpetrator, it’s important because the more you talk about things the more it becomes not taboo, the more people are likely to speak up and get justice.”

The Tealgate allowed for students to approach with any questions they may have, and help themselves to drink cup covers and emergency contraception. In passing, students would glance at the set up or grab the occasional item of the table. Many however, would stop by and start what the event coordinators described as “pivotal conversations.”

​Psychology and French senior Sophia Abbahou is an executive member of student organization Tigers Against Sexual Assault. She said she saw how important the work these organizations do is and wanted to help out and get involved on campus. Abbahou wanted to assist TASA in providing help for students in need.

She expressed interest in why getting help is considered such an uncomfortable topic, recalling how some students would walk by the tables claiming grabbing items was “embarrassing” and “disgusting,” and wants to advocate that this isn’t the case and that its important to be able to feel safe in receiving help.

“The fight has just begun and TASA is dedicated to trying to provide a safe space for all LSU students dedicated to ending sexual violence on our campus and beyond. The Tealgate was just one small part of this,” Abbahou said.

Some of the other tables included members from The Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault, the LSU Student Health Center, LSU LGBTQ+ Center, the LSU Women’s Center and student organization Feminists in Action. 

If ever in a crisis students can call (855)-435-STAR, or visit one of the centers on campus to receive health care and mental support.