Resolution; recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 29, 2026 as Denim Day.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carri Hicks

Oklahoma designates April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 29, 2026, as Denim Day to promote prevention and support for related organizations.

Authored by Senator Hicks

Type and Purpose

Type: Senate Resolution

Sponsor: Senator Hicks (Co-sponsor: Senator Carri Hicks)

Introduced: April 13, 2026

Goal: Recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and designate April 29, 2026, as Denim Day in Oklahoma. The resolution also expresses support for Peace Over Violence (the Denim Day initiative) and the YWCA, and directs distribution of the resolution to the YWCA.

Main Purpose and Intent

publicly acknowledge and promote awareness of sexual assault prevention and education.

align Oklahoma with nationwide Sexual Assault Awareness Month observances.

designate April 29, 2026, as Denim Day to advocate against myths that perpetuate sexual violence and to emphasize that there is no excuse for harassment, abuse, assault, or rape.

Key Provisions and Changes

Recognition: Declares April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Oklahoma.

Designation: Proclaims April 29, 2026, as Denim Day within the state.

Public Education and Messaging: Encourages wearing denim on Denim Day as a symbol against sexual violence and as a statement that consent is clear and there is no justification for sexual violence.

Support and Partnerships: States support for the national Denim Day initiative and for partnering organizations Peace Over Violence and the YWCA.

Distribution: Requires the resolution to be distributed to the YWCA (and, by implication, to relevant organizations and stakeholders involved in sexual assault prevention and advocacy).

Affected Parties

Primary Focus: General public in Oklahoma, with an emphasis on awareness among residents, students, educators, and community organizations.

Advocacy and Service Organizations: Peace Over Violence and the YWCA (as national/local partners in Denim Day efforts) receive formal recognition and distribution of the resolution.

State Entities: Oklahoma Senate is issuing the recognition and supporting awareness activities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Effective Date: The resolution does not establish new laws or funding; it is a formal expression of the Senate’s recognition and support.

Observance Timing: The proclamation designates April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month annually, and specifically calls for Denim Day on April 29, 2026.

Distribution: The resolution directs transmission to the YWCA for dissemination and awareness-building.

Context and Rationale (as outlined in the bill)

Sexual violence is described as a preventable issue that benefits from education and prevention programs.

The bill highlights concerns that sexual violence is underreported, with higher reported rates of rape/attempted rape among females in Oklahoma compared to national averages.

Denim Day originated in 1992 as a protest against myths regarding sexual violence and has since become a symbol used to promote education and prevention.

Bottom Line

SR 42 is a symbolic, non-funding resolution that:
- formally designates April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Oklahoma.
- designates April 29, 2026, as Denim Day.
- endorses continued education and advocacy through Peace Over Violence and the YWCA.
- requests sharing of the resolution with the YWCA to support outreach and awareness efforts.

Bill