Fraters Walk-A-Mile For Rape Prevention

It was a great day for fraters of Beta-Rho Chapter (University of Akron) walking and for taking a stand on violence against women.

Scores of men and boys joined the Beta-Rho Tekes Saturday -- in women's high heels and other shoe styles -- in Akron's second-annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.

The walk, which drew these special pedestrians to a one-mile course through downtown Akron, was a benefit for the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties in Ohio.

"The whole walk is to make men more aware of crimes against women," said Terri Heckman, director of the center. "And to say to the good guys, you need to be part of this, too."

While acknowledging the fun component, Heckman reminded participants of the urgency:

"This is no joke! The concept behind this is serious. And we can't do it without you good guys.... Men have to join this fight to stop these crimes," she said.

Wobbly heeled brethren of all ages and from all walks of life carried signs with slogans such as "Men Against Rape," "Stop the Silence / Speak Out Against Sexual Violence," "Good Men Walking," "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes," and "Got Consent?"

The University of Akron TKE chapter had the hands-down strongest showing among campus organizations.

"Fraternities often have bad reputations," said Frater Tony Suglio, a senior marketing and sales major. "This is an opportunity for our fraternity to change that stereotype and for us to be part of something to support females."

Frater Mike Sabatino, 20, an engineering major, agreed as he slipped his size 11 feet into a pair of pointed-toe plaid high-heel boots.

The Offices of the Grand Chapter congratulate the men of Beta-Rho Chapter on their efforts to bring light on these difficult topics. This type of effort helps perpetuate the ideals of the fraternity.

If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.