On Tuesday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Haggar College Center, students gathered for the fourth annual SMICK Rally. Tables with campus resources and information, food and journal and poster decorating were available for students to take part in.
This year, the first 200 attendees received a custom SMICK necklace and the first 100 received a limited-edition SMICK rally t-shirt and support bag. The bag held various items, including bottle opener keychains, a personal safety alarm, a Nightcap drink cover, hygiene products, a slap bracelet labeled "Belles Keep Belles Safe" and motivational pens. Information included affirmation cards and the "3 D’s" of bystander intervention: direct, distract and delegate.
The rally included creative activities for students to do, such as decorating journals and making posters for the SMICK Walk. A mirror was present for people to write down their responses to the prompt, "A SMICK means…."
Junior Giselle Martinez, president of the Student Diversity Board (SDB), discussed the origin of the event and why it is held annually.
"The SMICK Rally began in 2021 following the release of an article in The Observer that exposed harmful behaviors in Zahm Hall, specifically the perpetuation of rape culture toward Saint Mary's students. The article highlighted the derogatory use of the term "SMICK" to demean and dehumanize students at Saint Mary's College," Martinez said.
In response to what was brought to light, several campus organizations came together for the first SMICK Rally. Martinez shared that the purpose of the annual rally is to advocate for an environment that actively works towards justice and inclusivity for all, especially against sexual violence and harassment.
"At its core, the SMICK Rally is about standing up against injustice, specifically sexual harassment, assault and the systems or silences that allow them to continue. The event aims to foster a culture of respect, accountability and advocacy," Martinez explained. "It's not just about reclaiming language or responding to harm, it's about proactive community building, empowerment and ongoing education."
In an email sent to all students, the SDB mentioned to wear purple or denim to show support. The email read, "This rally isn’t just about showing up — it's about standing up, speaking out and creating lasting change in our community. Let's fill the space with support, strength and voices that refuse to be silenced."
Phil Bambenek, director of Campus Safety shared that campus security has obtained a lasting nickname as well.
"Everybody calls it smick-urity and have [been] for the entire 40 years I've been associated with Saint Mary's," Bambenek said.
Students shared why they attended the rally, including sophomore Lucy Vung Nu who said she came to "support the smick."
Another student stated that they attended the rally to show their support of survivors of sexual violence.
"I think it's really important to believe survivors and stand up for what's right," sophomore Oriella Ortiz said.
Several tables were set up with campus resources that educated attendees on how to keep themselves and others safe. These included representatives from the Belles Against Violence Office (BAVO), Callisto, Title IX Office, Health and Counseling Center, Center for Faith, Action and Ministry, Campus Safety, Office of Multicultural and International Student Services (OMISS), LGBTQ+ center and the Sexuality and Gender Equity (SAGE) club.
Junior Margaret Butler, a representative from the BAVO table, shared that, "It's important to us to educate people in the Saint Mary's community about awareness against sexual assault and sexual violence."
Sophomore Sophia Mariscal, a student assistant for the LGBTQ+ center, shared how the center being at the event, "brings awareness that this happens not just to people in heterosexual relationships."
Liz Baumann, Saint Mary's Title IX officer, shared, "It feels really special to be at this event. I was at the original SMICK Rally in 2021 … [and] it was cool to see all the students come together for this shared cause."
Senior Thalia Mora shared how she remembered this event starting in her freshman year and how it is important to continue this tradition for the community.
"The SMICK Rally is not a one-time event. It is part of an ongoing tradition and movement. One of its most powerful outcomes, the Raise Your Voice symposium, continues to give survivors a space to speak, heal and find strength in community," Martinez said.
