The Women’s equality day program celebrated the anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote in 1920.

It took place in SS 137 on Thursday, Aug. 25th and was coordinated by students and faculty.

This was a time to remember when women won not only the right to vote in 1920 and women also won the right to hold public office.

History professor, George Jarret, made an introduction with the role of protest in gaining approval of the 19th Amendment and followed with presentation on a power point.

Jarret said he was pleased with the number of students who attended to their first program and obtained positive results.

Students, both men and women, have been part of the activities provided by Chair of Women & Gender Studies Department, Ana Torres Bower.

Political science professor Dennis Falcon gave his personal thoughts regarding this program stating, “I’m very happy that it’s a full room because I have done things like this […] on campus before, and its [only] five or six students. Obviously this was something that for whatever reason there is a lot of interest.”

During the program, H.R. Staff department introduced, Dr. Valyncia Raphael, J.D. Director of Diversity, Compliance, and Title IX Coordinator.

Dr. Raphael said, “Title IX means student’s [can] not be discriminated against for gender, sex[ual] violence on campus, domestic violence, […] stalking, […] and sexual harassment [is] prohibited.”

She continued by saying one of the ways she can help students feel safe is by working with campus police and the student health center to make sure that students feel safe, and have a police escort to class.

“My job is to make sure that if you are experiencing any of those [situations], [then] I help investigate [to find that] person, and I also support the victims,” she said.