UTA Libraries says ‘Me Too’ with Launch of Semester-Long Book Club

This article was written by our editorial assistant, Sophie Spruce.

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries held the first meeting of their book club on Feb. 9th. The event was co-sponsored by Multicultural Affairs and the Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Program (RVSP) to highlight Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The book club, which is reading Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement by Tarana Burke, acts as an invitation for students to participate in the conversation surrounding the ‘Me Too’ movement and acknowledge the intersectionality of race and sexual violence.

“UTA Libraries recognizes the importance of believing and supporting sexual assault survivors,” said Andrew Doyle, the Social Events Coordinator for UTA Libraries. “The goal of these events is to remind students that this is a movement, not a moment.”

This movement includes creating an avenue to connect sexual assault survivors with resources and care. Kendra Zellan, Assistant Director for RVSP, hopes the collaborative book club will highlight the importance of intersectionality in discussions of sexual violence and race.

“It is important to look at issues that affect the Black community, women, and victims/survivors of sexual and relationship violence from an intersectional lens to fully understand Tarana’s experience that many of our students, staff, and faculty can relate to,” said Zellan.

The UTA Libraries Book Club kickoff was just the beginning of an open dialogue with students, staff, and faculty— meetings will be held once a month throughout the semester to continue the discussion in a safe space.

“The students were really willing to share their thoughts and experiences and provided a respectful space for others to do the same,” Zellan said. “With the Libraries’ new format for Book Club, we are so excited that more people will have the opportunity to join throughout the semester, and we look forward to engaging in the conversations to come!”

Students seeking resources should contact the Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Department with Student Affairs at 817-272-3947. Offices are located at 301 Ransom Hall.