A Wall for a Week (Photo by Austin Kilgore, The Daily Campus)

Even though it’s been in existence for only six months, a new campus group dedicated to spreading awareness about sexual assault and sexism is making a big push for SMU’s attention. Men with Integrity, created by senior Dale Vaughn, is in the middle of its ‘Week of Integrity’ featuring the Wall of Integrity in the center of campus by the flagpole.

“We have started a lot of conversations-and that’s part of our goal,” said Vaughn.

Representatives of Men with Integrity have been staffing the wall all week and asking people to sign it. The wall represents a stand against sexism by members of the SMU community. In addition to the wall, the group hosted a program Wednesday with Genesis Women’s Shelter.

Men with Integrity began last April and quickly grew to 200 members. The group wants to turn the issue of sexism and sexual assault from a women’s issue into a men’s issue. They believe that the problem lies in culture and how society deals with the issue. The definition of masculinity, according to Men with Integrity literature, is thought of as violent, unfeeling and filled with superiority. They want to change the stereotype and have integrity and honesty become important.

“We want to start an educated conversation about these topics,” Vaughn said.

Representatives will be at the wall handing out information and black bracelets today and Friday from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. Men with Integrity is also selling shirts for five dollars.

Men with Integrity member, senior Matt Houston, says that he has noticed more wristbands around campus as the week has gone on.

“I think it’s very positive-we want people to be aware,” Houston said.

Eventually, the goal of the group is to spread its message beyond SMU. Vaughn thinks that the group has huge potential.

“We want people to know what it means to have a movement that ends sexism and sexual assault,” Vaughn said.

Houston agreed, saying, “We want this not to be just SMU, just colleges — but nationwide.”