Idaho State Anderson Center to host film screening of ‘Purity Myth’ with panel discussion Nov. 7

The Idaho State University Anderson Gender Resource Center will present the free film screening, "The Purity Myth," followed by a panel discussion on the topic of virginity, morality and sex education on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Pond Student Union Wood River Room.

"The Purity Myth" is a critically acclaimed documentary from 2011 about Jessica Valenti, a pioneering feminist author and blogger and her views on "the virginity movement" and how, according to Valenti, a number of individuals have attempted to prevent young women from engaging in sexual activities based on irrational fears.

Valenti is a well-known author, blogger, speaker and feminist activist. The film is her coming of age story and explains her passion for issues like comprehensive sex education and women’s rights. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Nation, The Guardian, The American Prospect and Ms. Magazine. She has also won a Choice USA Generation Award and has appeared on The Colbert Report.

The panel following the film will be comprised by Jennifer Seaich, director of the Campus Ministry at ISU; Brenda Pollard, member of the LDS Church; Rachel Hammes, news editor for The Bengal newspaper; Linda Leeuwrik, professor of art; and John Batacan, professor of health and nutrition sciences. The panel will be moderated by Tiffany Allison, a student assistant for the Anderson Center.

This event is free and open to all. For questions or more information about the event, contact the Anderson Center at 282-2805. For more information on the film, visit http://jessicavalenti.com/film/.

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