The first Slut Walk was held near the clock tower at Frostburg State University Thursday, November 10 at 5:00 p.m. This was not a fashion show where women parade around in their most provocative clothing. The Slut Walk was a stand against sexual assault. The march around campus was conducted in order to bring awareness to sexual assault and victim blaming was sponsored by Students for Women’s Issues. Many students, faculty, and people of the community gathered to show support. There were many songs empowering women playing throughout the course of the campaign.

The idea of a slut walk was introduced in Toronto, Canada when a police officer made the comment, “If women do not want to be raped, they shouldn’t dress like sluts.” This event encouraged the Students for Women’s Issues to bring attention to issues that women and even some men face when it comes to sexual assault. Statistics show that 20% of women and 6% of men will be victims of sexual assault while in college. This walk was just not concerning women's issues, but that sexual assault can happen to anyone. The gathering is to encourage victims to stop blaming themselves for what happened and stop protecting the assaulter. In most incidents, the victim feels that it is their fault, which is never the case when it comes to assault. The Vice President and President of Students for Women Issues made strong statements as they marched onto the campus wearing provocative clothing. One of the themes for the Slut Walk was women should be able to dress the way they like. They should be able to express their sexuality without anyone inappropriately touching them or taking advantage of them sexually.

One unique characteristic of the event were the signs that expressed strong statements against assault. These signs were given to the people to carry as they marched around campus. “If she was asking for it, why couldn’t you,” one signs declared. The main reason that so many people felt the need to be involved in the walk was due to experience that they may have faced or known someone who has been assaulted. Others participated because of their belief in the freedom to express oneself in any way they please without being harmed.
“I decided to come out and support the Slut Walk because I do not think that it is right for someone to be sexually assaulted just on how they are dress,” Franklin Mused stated.
FSU student Derrick Harris stated, “I was intrigued to see what this event was about and glad that I participated in the walk because people do not deserve to be taking advantage of.” The Slut Walk took place throughout the whole campus as everyone held their signs high and chanted, “let them know that no means no.” The energy of the walk was live and encouraged people who were not already participating to join in on the march. The Slut Walk was short and sweet, but left a powerful message with all of us who were a part of it. Sexual abuse and harassment is a serious issue that needs to stop.